EAST LYME, Conn. -- A perpetually congested stretch of Interstate 95 -- known by locals as "crash alley" -- could face some changes.

Backups along I-95 between Old Lyme and New London near exit 74 are common. The state Department of Transportation described the 12.3-mile stretch as a funnel because three lanes merge to two.

Video: I-95 Traffic, Safety Study Estimates $400M Cost

ConnDOT officials said the situation will only worsen over the next 20 years without any alleviation.

"It's too overcrowded. There are too many cars traveling on this stretch of the road," said Kathy Walsh, of Old Lyme.

A ConnDOT study in 2005 gives top priority to this region, citing too many curves that create weaving conditions and do not provide enough room for traffic.

Among the possible solutions is widening the highway to three lanes in each direction.

"That's not always a solution for a highway. I think it's worth looking at different options," said Dan Kirby, of Old Saybrook.

Widening I-95 between New London and Old Lyme would be split into subprojects between exits 71 and 72 at a cost of $143.5 million, according to the ConnDOT study. Between exits 70 and 71, the project would cost $106.2 million, and between exits 81 and 83, the project would cost $141.7 million.

The study also assumed that the extension of Route 11 would be finished prior to the I-95 widening.

A public scoping meeting is planned for 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Waterford Town Hall to obtain public input about doing a new study.

E-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 866-289-0333. Refresh WFSB.com often and watch Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest news updates.