Crews began demolishing a Connecticut bridge that was severely damaged after a gas-filled tanker truck crashed on Interstate 95, causing major delays and even school closures. The crash occurred on a Thursday morning, resulting in the closure of the damaged section of the highway. Norwalk Public Schools closed on Friday due to ongoing traffic concerns and delays in the area. People were encouraged to work from home and avoid non-essential travel to ease congestion on the interstate, which connects New York and New England.
Governor Ned Lamont stated that the damaged bridge would need to be demolished due to the heat from the burning fuel compromising its structure, with the demolition scheduled to start on Friday morning. The interstate is not expected to reopen until Monday at the earliest, with traffic delays anticipated through the weekend. Secondary roads, including the Merritt Parkway, were also congested as a result of the crash, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling mentioned that efforts were being made to reduce traffic by implementing staggered work times for employees and encouraging staff to work from home. Commercial vehicle operators were advised to monitor vehicle weight and height restrictions while navigating alternate routes, as commercial vehicles were prohibited from traveling on CT Parkways. The Connecticut State Police also urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel in the Norwalk area and plan for significant traffic delays.
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto noted that the damaged bridge was less than 10 years old and sustained severe damage due to the ignition of gasoline underneath the structure. Following the crash, Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency to expedite resources needed for highway repairs and to prompt federal reimbursement for the repairs. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, with the closure of the damaged section of the I-95 causing major disruptions to traffic flow in the area.
In response to the traffic congestion and ongoing repairs, Norwalk Public Schools announced their closure on Friday, allowing for athletic games, drama performances, and proms to proceed while canceling all practices. The district advised residents to stay alert for updates and avoid the area surrounding the damaged bridge for at least the next few days. With the damaged section of the I-95 expected to remain closed until Monday at the earliest, efforts were made to mitigate traffic disruptions and ensure the safety of motorists in the area.
