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News 8's Kent Pierce took this picture of construction on the new "Q" bridge in April, 2012.

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Updated: Friday, 08 Jun 2012, 12:34 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 08 Jun 2012, 6:07 AM EDT

Kent Pierce

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Just as a huge milestone approaches in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge project potential problems may arise for road construction all over the state.

The workers are doing everything right. In fact, they're ahead of schedule and under budget. However, much of that budget comes from Washington, and that's where the problem is.

"The process has been held hostage to a small minority that says no investment, no spending no matter how worthwhile," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Blumenthal and his fellow senators already passed the federal transportation bill with plenty of support from both parties, but it's stuck in the house.

Blumenthal says a few republicans are holding things up. What will it mean for you?

"Gridlock epitomized will be the result," said Blumenthal. "There will be gridlock on this road as well as on surrounding roads where the traffic will overflow."

The "Q" Bridge itself is not in jeopardy. In fact, northbound traffic should be driving on the new bridge two weeks from Monday.

Still, there are parts of the overall I-95 New Haven overhaul not yet funded, plus upcoming projects all over the state. Also, there are all the people who make their living building those roads and bridges.

"Unemployment in construction has consistently doubled the national average," said Don Shubert, President of the CT Construction Industries Association. "From April last year to April this year, Connecticut lost another 1300 construction jobs."