Fairfield Avenue Bridge Reopens, Ahead Of Schedule and Under Budget

By Joe O’Leary

December 7 @ 5:00 am

Connecticut Department of Transportation employees stand with Sen. Bob Duff on newly Completed Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk. Credit: Andres Chiu / Senate Democrats

Just seven months after it was demolished due to heavy damage in a May 2 vehicle fire, the Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk, an important crossing point over Interstate 95 in that town, is as good as new.

The extensive work of the Department of Transportation, Yonkers Contracting Company, other state agencies and subcontractors from May to December is evidence of Connecticut ingenuity. Originally, the bridge was supposed to be completed in spring 2025. However, it’s ready to carry traffic now, months ahead of schedule.

The project was also completed under-budget. The bridge was expected to cost $20 million; however, the project came in at a final cost of just $16.8 million.

Meanwhile, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto told The Norwalk Hour that up to 90% of the costs will be covered by the federal government. DOT spokesperson Josh Morgan said crews worked ahead of time to avoid winter weather, which could have delayed the project.

During a press conference earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said the project was an example of local, state and federal government working hand-in-hand to meet the needs of Connecticut residents.

“Really, the credit all belongs to the men and women who worked so hard to get this bridge reopened,” Duff said, “and those who worked so tirelessly after the accident to clear the rubble and to make sure that I-95 could be open again, those who worked so hard to prioritize this project — all those people deserve our thanks.”

According to Eucalitto, the new structure has the same footprint as the original bridge and generally has the same design, albeit with slightly more space for bicyclists.

Norwalk local traffic will be able to resume without delays or detours caused by the bridge’s absence, while more than 100,000 motorists who drive underneath it everyday can rest assured of their safety.

In a press release, Gov. Ned Lamont said the reopening of the bridge marked a significant milestone for Norwalk and hundreds of thousands of motorists who rely on Interstate 95.

“This is a great example of what can be accomplished when government, contractors, and local leaders work together with a sense of urgency and purpose,” Lamont said.

After the initial vehicle fire, caused by a crash involving a fuel tanker under the structure itself, flames and gasoline rose to leave scorch marks underneath, damaging it enough that it was demolished the same week the fire occurred. I-95 was reopened within days of the crash, but the bridge’s absence caused serious traffic issues in Norwalk after highway backups abated.

Back in May, officials expected the repairs would take a year – making the fruits of this Herculean effort from state agencies and transportation workers all the sweeter.