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A closure in both directions on I-95 in Connecticut caused by an early morning crash and fire involving a tanker with thousands of gallons of gas will last for several days as a damaged overpass is removed, authorities have now announced.
The incident happened at the outset of the morning commute on Thursday, May 2 in Norwalk near exits 14 and 15.
"Extensive damage occurred to the Fairfield Avenue overpass bridge," according to the Norwalk Fire Department.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced late Thursday afternoon that it will start demolishing the damaged bridge on Friday morning, May 3.
The stretch of I-95 will remain closed during the demolition phase, and they anticipate the phase lasting approximately four days with an expected reopening the stretch of I-95 on Monday May 6.
"Due to significant damage caused by the fire from this morning's accident, the overpass near Exit 15 on I-95 in Norwalk needs to be demolished and the road needs to be repaved," Gov. Ned Lamont announced just after 5:30 p.m. "Expect this area of the highway to remain closed through at least Monday. Avoid driving in the area."
During that time, local roads will continue to be severely affected with increased traffic.
"Motorists are urged to avoid non-essential travel in the Norwalk area," Connecticut State Police said. "Commercial vehicle operators are asked to monitor vehicle weight and height restrictions while navigating alternate routes. Commercial vehicles remain prohibited from traveling on CT Parkways."
Norwalk Public Schools will be closed on Friday, May 3 "due to ongoing traffic concerns and delays." the district said, adding that it "will allow athletic games, drama performances and proms to take place. All practices are canceled through the weekend."
The drivers involved in the crash were self-extricated and uninjured, the Norwalk Fire Department said.
A firefighter was transported to Norwalk Hospital with a leg injury.
The fire was extinguished within one hour, the department said.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the department's highways team is working closely with Connecticut's Department of Transportation.
"Please heed local authorities on detours and avoid the area if possible," Buttigieg said. "Thank you to the first responders who are dealing with the fire and keeping other drivers safe."
The Norwalk Fire Department said that it deployed three engine companies to establish a positive water supply from multiple fire hydrants, two engines, and one truck company for fire extinguishment.
"On arrival, it was further determined that a freight tractor-trailer, a petroleum tanker truck, and a passenger vehicle were all fully involved," the department said.
The freight tractor-trailer and passenger vehicle were located 150 feet east of the Fairfield Avenue overpass, while the petroleum tanker truck was located directly under it.
The tanker truck was carrying 8,500 gallons of petroleum, the Norwalk FD said.
More than 160,000 vehicles pass through the affected stretch of I-95 each day. This includes truck transporting goods from Maine to Florida that will now be forced to take detours or cancel deliveries.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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