US: Officials assert Interstate 95 likely to remain closed in Norwalk area, Conn., through at least May 6 following major crash on route May 2 /update 1

Officials have asserted that Interstate 95 (I-95) will likely remain closed in the vicinity of Norwalk, Connecticut, through at least May 6 due to infrastructural damage sustained in a three-vehicle crash on the route early May 2. The crash damaged a fuel tanker truck, starting a large fire under the Fairfield Avenue overpass that impeded the flow of traffic on the route. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has said that while the accident resulted in no serious injuries, the blaze caused damage that necessitates the repaving of the affected stretch of I-95 and the demolition of the Fairfield Avenue bridge that runs over it. Lamont has accordingly declared a state of emergency and advised motorists to avoid driving in the area.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has indicated that northbound lanes of I-95 remain closed in the Norwalk area between exits 14 and 15 and southbound lanes of I-95 remain closed between exits 15 and 16 due to the crash. Additionally, the ramp from southbound Route 7 to southbound I-95 is closed. Authorities have advised commercial vehicles to alternatively use Interstate 84 (I-84) to travel through Connecticut. Significant traffic delays have been reported on alternative routes in the area due to increased traffic congestion, and major transport disruptions will likely continue to affect such routes until the affected stretch of I-95 reopens.

Norwalk officials have closed city schools on May 3 and encouraged local businesses to consider permitting their employees to work from home or use Metro-North rail services to commute on May 3. Heightened demand for alternative modes of transportation will likely affect the Norwalk area over the coming days. Some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of some employees' difficulty in reaching work sites; associated business disruptions cannot be ruled out.