Crews working around the clock removed the last remains of the fire-damaged Fairfield Avenue bridge at I-95 exit 15 shortly after noon on Saturday, allowing the highway to reopen for northbound traffic later that day.

Southbound lanes will still be closed on Sunday, as that side of the interstate was most heavily damaged by the fire and must be milled and repaved.

“Completely removing that bridge in less than 36 hours is an impressive feat,” said Governor Ned Lamont. The governor credited hard work by Department of Transportation and contractor crews “who are pushing to get the entire highway fully reopened in both directions by Monday morning.”

“They made great progress today and I remain optimistic that we will meet our Monday morning deadline,” said DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “I ask the public to remain patient with the ongoing traffic congestion and to continue using alternate routes and public transportation throughout the weekend.”