I-95 Closed in Westbrook After Crash Causes Structural Overpass Damage

On Wednesday morning, a major traffic incident brought travel on part of Connecticut’s busiest interstate to a sudden halt.

A tractor-trailer slammed into an overpass on I-95 in Westbrook, just past Exit 65. Officials had no choice but to shut down a portion of the highway, at least for a while.

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Connecticut State Police showed up fast, along with Department of Transportation crews and bridge engineers. Everyone was trying to figure out how bad the damage was and whether the bridge could hold up before traffic could start moving again.

Thankfully, no major injuries turned up right away. Still, the crash led to hours of delays, miles of traffic jams, and plenty of headaches for commuters from New Haven to New London.

Officials are still digging into what exactly caused the crash.

Serious Crash Disrupts Morning Commute in Westbrook

Drivers along the shoreline stretch of I-95 found themselves trapped for ages after a tractor-trailer hit an overpass.

The crash happened near Exit 65, a spot many folks recognize between Old Saybrook and Clinton. Witnesses described a sudden sea of brake lights and a cloud of dust as everything unfolded during the morning rush.

Immediate Response and Highway Closure

Within minutes, Connecticut State Police blocked off the affected lanes to keep people safe. Department of Transportation crews quickly arrived to check out the damage.

They focused on public safety and closed part of the highway while they figured out just how bad things were.

Concerns About Overpass Safety

The impact from the tractor-trailer immediately raised concerns about the overpass’s condition. Engineers rushed to the scene to take a close look.

They needed to decide if the bridge could safely handle traffic or if it might need repairs and more closures.

Engineering Inspections and Structural Review

Structural engineers checked for cracks, fractures, and stress spots on the overpass. Authorities kept saying that public safety comes first.

If they found any risk to the bridge’s integrity, they’d have to keep it closed for repairs. So far, nobody’s made any official announcements.

Miles of Traffic Backups Across the Shoreline

The timing—right in the middle of the morning commute—made things much worse. By mid-morning, traffic stretched for miles, with drivers stuck from Madison to East Lyme and even farther.

Some folks just sat and waited, while others tried their luck with back roads through local towns.

Officials Urge Alternate Routes

State Police and DOT officials used highway signs, radio, and social media to steer drivers onto alternate routes. They suggested taking Route 1 or detouring through towns like Guilford and Branford to dodge the worst of the mess.

Injury Reports and Ongoing Investigation

Surprisingly, there weren’t any immediate reports of serious injuries, even though the crash looked severe. Emergency crews still treated a few people for minor issues and made sure the area was safe for investigators.

Looking Ahead: Cause and Prevention

The investigation’s still underway, with officials looking at everything from driver mistakes and equipment problems to road conditions. Depending on what they find, there might be new safety recommendations for Connecticut’s highways.

That’s especially true in busy towns like Milford and Stamford, where overpasses and heavy truck traffic are just part of daily life.

What Drivers Can Learn From This Incident

This crash really shows how one accident can throw off traffic for miles. You never know when a single incident will upend your whole route.

It’s smart for drivers to keep an eye out for traffic alerts and follow detour signs. Honestly, giving yourself extra time—especially near construction or bridges—just makes life easier.

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Here is the source article for this story: Crash closes I-95 in Westbrook, overpass due to ‘structure damage’: Officials

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