Parts of I-95 in Norwalk set to reopen as repairs continue; CT Gov. Lamont says
Traffic snarled as workers begin repairing I-95
Workers have begun removing a bridge over a Connecticut highway that was damaged in a fiery crash involving a gasoline tanker truck. The demolition that began Friday is expected to keep both sides of Interstate 95 in Norwalk closed through the weekend and extend a traffic nightmare on the major artery linking New England and New York.
CONNECTICUT - Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont says northbound lanes on I-95 in Norwalk will reopen by 8 p.m. Saturday. All southbound lanes will remain closed through Sunday for repaving.
The aim is to reopen all six lanes of traffic on I-95 by Monday, but there's been no confirmation on whether that will happen.
Parts of I-95 near exit 15 have been closed due to a large truck fire that happened on Thursday. Officials say drivers can expect continuous delays for most of the weekend.
Utility crews demolished the bridge where the fiery crash happened on Saturday.
Crews started tearing down the bridge on Friday morning and work, including the repaving of damaged parts of the roadway, was expected to last through the weekend.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parts of I-95 in Connecticut remain closed
The interstate is the main artery linking New England and New York.
What happened on I-95?
State police said a car was merging from the right lane when it struck the gas truck, which was carrying 8,500 gallons (32,000 liters) of fuel. The truck then hit a tractor trailer in another lane and caught fire. Nobody was seriously injured, and no charges have been filed (AP).
Connecticut Gov. Lamont has been in talks with the federal government to secure funding for the repairs.
The bridge removal and road repairs could cost about $20 million (AP).
"I know what an incredible inconvenience this is for people and all I can ask you to do is stay away from that area as best you can," Lamont said during an earlier briefing in Hartford. "The traffic jams are horrendous."
Until then, drivers should avoid I-95 in Norwalk due to the ongoing closure in both directions and follow the established detours seen below.
I-95 live traffic map
There is a truck diversion routed from New York to Boson from I-95 northbound to (Connecticut Emergency Management & Homeland Security).
Alternate truck routes
