A section of Interstate 95 in Connecticut was shut down for several days after a tanker containing thousands of gallons of fuel ignited an intense fire that damaged a bridge over the highway, according to Governor Ned Lamont. The closure of I-95 disrupted a major link between Connecticut and New York City, forcing tens of thousands of commuters to take detours or find other modes of transportation. The closure is expected to worsen congestion on surrounding roads for several days, leading to lengthy commute times for drivers.
The crash occurred early in the morning near an exit in Norwalk, involving a passenger car and two tractor-trailer trucks, one of which was carrying fuel. While the crash did not result in any serious injuries, it caused significant damage to the bridge, which had to be demolished, according to Governor Lamont. The highway will remain closed until at least Monday, with officials working to clean up the spilled gasoline and offload the remaining fuel from the damaged tanker.
The impact of the highway closure extended beyond commuters, affecting nearby school districts as well. Norwalk Public Schools canceled classes on Friday, with other districts operating on a two-hour delay. Despite the closure, activities like prom were scheduled to proceed as planned. Local news stations captured footage of clogged exit ramps and roadways, prompting officials to advise drivers to allow extra time for their journeys.
The closure of I-95 is a significant disruption for the region, as approximately 150,000 vehicles travel through the affected section in Norwalk daily. Governor Lamont issued a state of emergency in response to the crash and urged residents to avoid the area. Trucking companies were advised to take alternative routes, such as I-84, while individuals were encouraged to work from home if possible to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
The bridge over I-95 was less than 10 years old, but the heat from the burning fuel compromised its steel structure, necessitating its demolition. The process of demolishing the bridge began early Friday and was expected to take around 24 hours to complete. Governor Lamont expressed understanding of the inconvenience caused by the closure and indicated that the highway could reopen for the Monday morning commute if the demolition proceeds as planned. State police were investigating the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident on I-95 in Connecticut is not the first involving a tanker carrying fuel that has led to a major highway closure. In a similar incident in Philadelphia last year, a tanker crash resulted in a fire that caused part of the highway to collapse. While officials initially anticipated a lengthy repair process, the highway was reopened in less than two weeks. The recent crash in Connecticut highlights the need for continued infrastructure maintenance and safety measures to prevent future disasters and ensure the safety of commuters on busy highways like I-95.
