Crews rebuilding a critical link over I-95 in Norwalk hit another major milestone in the Fairfield Avenue Bridge project and a little ahead of schedule. On Thursday, they poured the new concrete bridge deck.

"It's a continuous pour for the strength and the integrity of the bridge deck," explained Josh Morgan, director of communications for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. "The weather is cooperating, and we're pleased with the progress that the crews and contractors have made over the last several months."

On May 2, a fiery crash involving an oil tanker on I-95 damaged the bridge so badly, it was was rendered unsafe and had to be torn down. CTDOT staff worked round the clock to design a new replacement bridge, which work began on in June.

Morgan previously told News 12 the plan was to do the bridge deck pour at the end of October, but he said that was with buffer time built in for work by utility crews.

"We had to relocate utilities across the bridge—gas, water, fiber, cable, all that good stuff to keep people connected. So, they were busting it, and they got their part taken care of so, now we're back to doing what we need to do," Morgan stated.

Workers said they got an early start on the pour beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday and were done with it before noon. They then covered the concrete as part of the curing process.

"After this bridge pour, we'll move on to getting the bridge parapets. Those are the retaining walls on the side of the bridge to protect traffic. And then we'll move on to other phases," said Morgan. "Getting paving done, getting sidewalks completed."

Officials are targeting early spring to fully reopen to traffic, but said weather may affect the date.

The estimated cost for the bridge replacement is about $15 million, but coupled with the demolition and repair work in May, the entire project will likely cost $20 million. The governor signed an emergency declaration on May 2 seeking federal emergency relief funds. So far, the state's received $3 million.

"We got the quick release funds to pay the contractors that did that great work getting all the demo done earlier this year," Morgan explained. "We still have those applications into the federal government. Nothing to report on yet. We're hopeful and optimistic that it'll come through and help offset some of the costs here for us."

Officials previously said the federal government is expected to cover up to 80% of the entire project.