Officials, governor hail restored Derby–Shelton bridge as catalyst for regional connection

The mayor of Derby opened a public ceremony to mark the official opening of a restored bridge connecting Derby and Shelton, calling it "a symbol of unity, progress, and shared vision." The event drew local officials, Connecticut Department of Transportation leaders and Governor Ned Lamont.

Rick Dunn, executive director of the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, framed the project as part of a broader effort to knit the valley's transportation and housing projects together, saying the bridge "is connecting the 2 greenways" and tying the work to investments in the Waterbury rail line and planned housing development. "It is a connection between the 2 towns," Dunn said.

Gary Euclidow, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, credited design and construction teams including AECOM and the primary contractor, and said the restoration focused on multimodal access. "We had a great, designer, AECOM, great, construction company, Mohawk, that helped make this a reality," Euclidow said, noting the project added bike lanes, wider sidewalks and an additional travel lane to "make it easier for the 2 communities to connect with each other across the river." He also acknowledged district staff who monitored the project.

Speakers tied the reopening to regional economic momentum. State Representative Mary Wheeler (114th District) and State Representative Jason Perillo (113th District) both thanked the governor and DOT for attention to the valley and praised the restoration for respecting the bridge's history while supporting new development. State Senator Kevin Kelly (21st District) praised labor and leadership for completing the work.

Local volunteer history was a focal point of remarks. Jack Walsh, former president of Valley United Way, gave a brief history of the crossing, saying, "There's been a bridge over this river since 1831," and describing subsequent replacements, private ownership, and civic efforts—including a Rotary Club study led by Kate Marks—that helped secure design and funding for the restoration.

Governor Ned Lamont congratulated local officials and DOT staff and linked the bridge to other investments in the valley: "This thing is absolutely gorgeous," he said, and pointed to upgrades on the Waterbury rail line and new housing projects as evidence the region is rebuilding and attracting residents.

Event hosts invited the public to use the new pedestrian walkway and the bridge's LED lighting, which speakers said will make it a nighttime landmark. Organizers and officials framed the opening as one step in an ongoing set of valley infrastructure projects rather than a final action; there were no formal motions or votes recorded at the ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with thanks to construction crews, engineers and state partners and an invitation to walk the bridge and enjoy the views and improved connections between Derby and Shelton.