For nearly 90 years, backers of a bridge straight to Long Island from Connecticut or mainland New York have promised less traffic, faster commutes, new jobs and increased revenue. But some experts warn that the mega-project could jeopardize the health of Long Island Sound and halt the painstaking progress that has been made in restoring one of the region’s most important ecosystems. While many of the project’s details need to be worked out, Shapiro says the bridge would generate $8 billion to $10 billion in annual revenue and ease traffic on Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway, two of the country’s busiest corridors. One of the biggest concerns would be construction noise caused by pile driving and other intense underwater activity, which creates high-frequency sound waves capable of damaging marine life. This noise can impair hearing, induce stress, disrupt communication and force animals to relocate, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. In severe cases, the loud noises could cause bleeding, tissue damage and even death for some animals, including fish.
Shortcut or setback? Proposed bridge from CT to Long Island would risk Sound’s fragile ecosystem
