2024-05-04@9:38pm–#Fairfield CT– Neighbors around Brooklawn Country Club on Algonquin Road, report hearing an explosion on the golf course and visible flames coming from the green area then teens running away. Police are questioning 3 teens at this time but no sign of Carl Spackler…
NORTHBOUND LANES OF I-95 IN NORWALK WILL REOPEN BY 8PM SATURDAY, SOUTHBOUND LANES WILL REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH SUNDAY FOR ADDITIONAL CLEANUP AND REPAVING
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today provided the following updates regarding efforts to repair and reopen Interstate 95 in Norwalk as of 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024:
Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and contractors stayed at the site of the Fairfield Avenue Bridge throughout Friday night and continued working through the early hours of Saturday morning when additional equipment needed to remove the damaged bridge arrived.
Crews were able to complete demolition of the bridge by 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Following demolition, crews then began working to clean up all the debris and materials from the bridge off the highway. They also began making necessary repairs to the highway to ensure that it is safe for vehicular traffic.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is estimating that the northbound lanes of I-95 will reopen to vehicles by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.
All southbound lanes of the highway will remain closed to vehicles through the day on Sunday, May 5, because the pavement on this side of the highway was so damaged from the Thursday morning crash that those lanes need to be milled and repaved.
A live video feed showing the ongoing work can be accessed at https://share.earthcam.net/CTDOTNorwalkbridge.
Drivers are asked to remain patient and follow all posted signage. Commercial vehicles are asked to continue using alternate routes through Fairfield County until further notice.
The public can visit CTroads.org for the latest traffic alerts and roadway updates in Connecticut.
The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut will welcome back representatives and their “friends” from The Reptile Nook of Springfield, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Fascinating animal talk from guest speakers Jess and Zack Decoteau, animal keepers and educators from The Reptile Nook, will showcase a variety of reptiles for the program including Ralphie, the Bearded Dragon, Bluey, the Blue-Tongued Skink, Cream, the Corn Snake and Taco, the Cane Toad. The Reptile Nook is dedicated to teaching people of all ages about reptiles and amphibians hoping to help people both face their fears of these misunderstood creatures and to love and appreciate animals of all kinds.
“The Reptile Nook” talk will be held in the Stratford Library Lovell Room beginning at 2 pm on May 12. No reservations necessary. For further information, call the Library at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation has installed a webcam providing the public with a real-time, live video feed of the ongoing demolition of the Fairfield Avenue Bridge on I-95 in Norwalk.
The webcam can be accessed online, 24/7 at: https://share.earthcam.net/CTDOTNorwalkbridge
“There is significant interest in this ongoing emergency project, and this live video feed will help in our mission of keeping the public informed of the latest conditions on the highway,” Governor Lamont said. “We encourage everyone to view the video feed safely from home and do not attempt to travel to Norwalk to visit the scene up close. Let the crews do their jobs so the highway can get reopened as quickly as possible.”
Motorists are strongly urged to avoid driving on I-95 in
2024-05–04@11:04am– #Bridgeport CT–No word on any injuries in this rollover crash in the 3000 block of Main Street (near Westfield Avenue).
On May 1, 2024, Bridgeport Police Officers responded to a Shotspotter Activation in the area of the 100 block of Cleveland Avenue for two shots fired. Shotspotter is a gunshot detection technology that uses sophisticated acoustic sensors to detect, locate, and alert law enforcement agencies regarding gunfire incidents in real time. As officers arrived on scene, a preliminary investigation revealed a male suspect running on Madison Avenue. Officers immediately converged and searched the area and located a suspect who appeared to be sweating and hypervigilant walking on Madison Avenue. A subsequent pat down of the suspect yielded a loaded black Glock 43 (9mm) firearm loaded with 8 live rounds and one in the chamber. The firearm was reported stolen out of Henrico County Virginia and the suspect identified as 18-year-old Julio Martins out of Massachusetts also had no valid permit to carry. Evidence was also secured at the scene.
The whip, whistle and watch are the tools necessary for the ringmaster to do her job and kicks off the 2024 Barnum Festival. High school students that are part of the “royal family” receive scholarships. They ranked within the highest 20 percent of their junior class and showcase notable involvement in extracurriculars and volunteerism.
According to the Barnum Festival’s website ” The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the Greater Bridgeport Area and surrounding towns and its tight-knit community. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival spans several weeks in an effort to build community spirit, enrich the lives of Bridgeport residents, and give back, culminating in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly events’.
Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS was the festival’s first woman of color to serve as ringmaster.
Thursday May 2nd, at approximately 5:30 AM, a dramatic event unfolded on Fairfield Avenue near Exit 15 on I-95. A tanker truck, carrying a substantial 8,500 gallons of gasoline, caught fire following a collision, resulting in a hazardous situation under the Fairfield Avenue overpass.
Fortunately, due to the swift action of our first responders, tragedy was averted. Reports confirm that a firefighter sustained a leg injury and was promptly transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment. However, there were no fatalities, underscoring the effectiveness of the emergency response team.
In light of this incident, it is anticipated that I-95 will remain closed until at least Monday. Emergency crews are mobilized for continuous operations to secure and remove the compromised overpass structure.
Governor Lamont, alongside Mayor Harry Rilling and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and other pertinent state agencies, convened at the Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on the situation unfolding on I-95 in Norwalk.
Motorists are advised of the redirection of all traffic off I-95 between exits 14 and 16. Alternative routes have been recommended, emphasizing the importance for trucks to utilize I-84 and I-684, as per regulations prohibiting their access on the Merritt Parkway or the Wilbur Cross Parkway. Local signage should be carefully followed, and GPS shortcuts are discouraged.
Given the heightened traffic activity in the area, it is crucial for motorists to refrain from stopping on train tracks for safety reasons. Wireless emergency alerts are activated to keep residents informed about the status of the I-95 closure, with ongoing updates promised as developments unfold.
Regarding the spilled gasoline, approximately 4,500 gallons were contained within the truck, mitigating potential environmental impact. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has confirmed no contamination of the Norwalk River, and environmentally safe green foam was utilized for fire suppression, avoiding the use of PFAs.
Acknowledgments are extended to the dedicated and courageous first responders who effectively managed the situation and ensured the safety of all involved. Gratitude is expressed to the Norwalk police, fire, and EMS teams, as well as the collaborative efforts of New Canaan, Westport, Stamford, and Rowayton Fire Departments, whose swift response played a pivotal role in containing the incident.
The Merritt Parkway is currently shut down in the area of Exit 44 following an accident, a car crashed off into the woods and caught fire. The occupant has been taken to the hospital and there are no other updates at this time.
2024-05-02@9:24pm–#Bridgeport CT– Police were called to the 1400 block of Stratford Avenue for an armed robbery. The suspects fled in a blue Audi.
