Rell Announces Route 7 Likely to Reopen on Friday

Gov. M. Jodi Rell today toured the site of Tuesday’s fatal tanker-truck crash on a bridge on Route 7 in Ridgefield and announced that the heavily-traveled roadway would likely be reopened on Friday.

She also said that free bus service is being added between Danbury and Norwalk and that rail commuters will have their fares refunded for travel during the affected period.

Rell also said that temporary shoring will be constructed under the damaged bridge and that it is expected to be reopened to traffic as early as Friday.

The governor said two additional midday trains will be added to the Danbury-Norwalk rail line, and that additional round-trip buses between the two cities will run approximately every hour until the roadway is reopened.

Bus service on the Route 7 link will be free during this period, and rail commuters will be able to receive refunds from the Department of Transportation for the portion of their tickets between Danbury and Norwalk purchased during the affected period.

"The tragedy of this accident has been compounded by the fact that this is one of the busiest roads in Connecticut, carrying thousands of commuters and other citizens every day,” Rell said.

“I live right here too, and I thank the people of western Connecticut for their understanding as we work to resolve the traffic issues and get Route 7 reopened.”

The governor also announced that two toll-free phone lines will provide updated information on alternative road routes: (877)284-9995 and (800)443-6817.

Tuesday’s accident occurred when a tanker truck loaded with more than 8,000 gallons of fuel jackknifed and exploded when the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle. The truck driver was killed, and the Governor extended her condolences to his family.

Requests for train ticket refunds must be accompanied by a receipt and received by July 31. They may be sent to DOT Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II at DOT Headquarters, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT, 06131, the governor's office said.

Posted July 13, 2005 12:51 PM