Interstate 95 closure: What to know about traffic, detours

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) — Officials expect Interstate 95 to be closed in Norwalk for days while crews demolish an overpass, triggering what is expected to be a traffic nightmare for commuters.

The interstate was shut down on Thursday morning after a crash that involved tractor-trailers and another vehicle — causing flames to erupt and damage the overpass in the area of Exit 15 and 16.

The bridge over the interstate will have to be torn down, and the area will not be able to reopen until demolition is complete. Gov. Ned Lamont Lamont has filed an emergency declaration with the federal government in order to receive funds to pay for replacing the bridge.

It’s expected to reopen on Monday morning, at the earliest.

Officials have urged patience and suggested for anyone who can work from home to do so, and for people to avoid all non-essential travel in the Norwalk and Bridgeport area.

The closure is being monitored on the national level, with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg asking locals to pay close attention to detours.

Detours

What routes should you take? News 8’s live traffic map will help you decide based on current road conditions.

School buses

Norwalk public schools will be closed on Friday due to traffic concerns. A decision on if schools will be closed on Monday has not yet been made, as of 6:20 p.m. on Friday.

Rail travel

Rail traffic has not been interrupted, according to the Metro-North Railroad.

The railroad plans to add extra trains through the weekend to help with the traffic.

On Saturday and Sunday, more passenger cars and two extra trains will run on the New Haven Line to Grand Central Terminal and back. The two trains will depart at 8:29 a.m. and 9:26 a.m. from New Haven, and then depart Grand Central at 4:53 p.m. and 6:59 p.m.

This is a developing situation and more updates will be added as they are made available.

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