The Connecticut Turnpike reflects the design standards of the early interstate era, with some pre-interstate bypasses incorporated into the highway's construction. The turnpike's mainline design is typical of the toll roads, thruways and turnpikes constructed across America between World War II and 1960. Like its counterparts in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, the Connecticut Turnpike featured 12-foot travel lanes, a 10-foot right shoulder, and a narrow median divider. Additionally, the turnpike's service areas continue to provide food, gasoline, and travel information to motorists using the turnpike.
Unlike most major toll roads constructd during this period, which feature widely spaced interchanges and a ticket toll system, the Connecticut Turnpike features closely-spaced interchanges and opened with 8 barrier tolls, which were removed in 1985.
Along the I-95 section, the Connecticut Turnpike features 6 lanes between the New York State Line and Interchange 51 in East Haven. From East Haven the turnpike carries four lanes of traffic to the I-95/I-395 interchange in Waterford. The entire I-395 and unsigned SR-695 sections carry four lanes of traffic.
The entire length of the turnpike has an asphalt surface, which was placed over the original concrete surface. The last section of concrete surface to be paved with asphalt was between Exit 65 in Westbrook and Exit 69 in Old Saybrook in 2000.
