This weekend, a portion of Interstate 95 in Norwalk, Connecticut, will stay shut down as crews work on tearing down a bridge damaged by a gasoline-carrying tanker that crashed and ignited on Thursday morning, May 2.

Truck drivers are advised to steer clear of the I-95 area and opt for Interstate 84 or Interstate 87 instead.

Authorities are cautioning against using the Merritt Parkway as an alternative route for trucks since they’re not permitted on that road.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation noted heavy traffic this morning, with a 13-mile backup on the Merritt Parkway in Fairfield as commuters looked for alternatives to I-95.

The demolition of the extensively damaged overpass was scheduled to commence at 3 a.m. today. The overpass will be taken down, and the section of I-95 affected by the fire will need to be repaved.

Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency on Thursday in response to the collision involving the tanker, another tractor-trailer, and a passenger vehicle on I-95 near Exit 15 in Norwalk. The accident and subsequent fire took place under the Fairfield Avenue overpass.

“The fire from this morning’s accident caused significant structural damage to an overpass on I-95 in Norwalk and it is not safe for traffic to use the road at this time,” Lamont said. “Structural engineers have determined that this overpass needs to be demolished and the road needs to be repaved. We are advising commuters to expect that this area of I-95 in Norwalk will remain closed at least through the weekend. This emergency declaration will help expedite some of the resources needed for us to respond to this situation. I strongly encourage everyone to avoid this area for at least the next few days while the highway remains closed and to stay alert for updates. We will continue to provide new information as it becomes available.”

None of the drivers involved in the collision was seriously injured. They included:

  • a 22-year-old male from Stamford, who was driving a 2010 Camero
  • a 42-year-old male from Harrison, New York, who was the driver of the tanker
  • a 35-year-old male from Bridgeport, the diver of the second tractor-trailer