Crews broke ground Wednesday on a project to widen Interstate 84 in Waterbury, where traffic is often congested.

Gov. Dannel Malloy joined Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker and Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary for a groundbreaking ceremony in the afternoon at the Park and Ride lot off exit 23.

"This is part of a continuum of projects that really are intended to modernize 84 and to do away with the choke points," Malloy said. "A highway should never be an accordian. It just doesn't make any sense."

The $300 million project will create a third lane in each direction on the section of I-84 between Washington Street and Pierpont Road in Waterbury. It will take five years to complete.

Malloy said that the widening project will mean less congestion and more productivity in Connecticut.

He also said that Connecticut has lost job opportunities and "lagged in economic development" because the state hasn't invested enough in transportation.

"No corridor is more important than the I-84 corridor," Malloy said. "I think we have massive opportunities if we can straighten out this road system to invite businesses from other areas to come to Connecticut in the greater Danbury area and the greater Waterbury area."

DOT officials said they will try to minimize the effects of construction by keeping all lanes open during rush hour.