Route 2 bypass officially opens

Mashantucket (WTNH) - The new Route 2 bypass is now open making it easier to get to the casino or away from it.

Drivers headed west on Route 2 in southeastern Connecticut will see some major changes as they approach the Foxwoods complex. After more than a decade in the works, the new Route 2 bypass officially opened.

No longer will locals, and casino goers, have to share the same road which averages 20,000 cars a day.

"This will enable people who have no desire to visit Foxwoods to go ahead by in an unimpeded fashion and most importantly in a fashion that is safe," said Michael Thomas of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman.

It's safe, and some say, better for business; at the for the newly opened Eli's Pizza.

"I think it's gonna help cause it's not gonna be jammed anymore ya' know," said Elias Haralambidis of Eli's Pizza.

The $67 million bypass allows locals and beach goers to pass right by the casino non-stop.

"During the summer, there's a tremendous amount of traffic both to the beaches and just commercially," said John Dwyer of Mashantucket. "I feel the bypass should speed things along quite a bit."

Along with the new bypass comes new street names; a section of Route 2 will now be known as Foxwoods Boulevard and and another part will be referred to as the MGM Grand Drive.

The governor and other lawmakers, as well as the tribe, were driving forces behind the traffic change.

"This is just a wonderful example of cooperation," said Jeff Nelson of the Governor's office. "It went smoothly. Once it got going, it went quickly."