Interstate 95 in Connecticut experienced a full closure for the second day due to a three-vehicle crash and ensuing fire that severely damaged an overpass. The incident involved a gasoline tanker truck, which ignited directly underneath the bridge, causing significant damage.
Demolition began around 3 a.m. on Friday to remove the bridge's pillars. The road itself will also need resurfacing, and rebuilding could take another year.
Crews are demolishing the Fairfield Avenue bridge in Norwalk, which was severely damaged by the fire.
The closure is in place while crews work to remove the entire bridge due to its unsafe condition for any traffic to pass underneath it in either direction. The interstate is expected to reopen on Monday morning at the earliest.
Norwalk schools were closed on Friday due to traffic concerns, and commuters are urged to avoid all non-essential travel in the Norwalk area. Drivers are also advised to take alternative routes or use public transportation if possible.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m. Thursday along the southbound side of I-95 in Norwalk, some 45 miles northeast of Manhattan.
No one was seriously injured or killed in the incident, which involved the collision of a fuel tanker, a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. The fuel truck was carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline.
Governor Ned Lamont has filed an emergency declaration with the federal government to receive funds for replacing the bridge, which is estimated to cost at least $20 million.
Officials urged patience and suggested that anyone who can work from home should do so. They also advised drivers to stay away from the area for at least another 72 hours.
