The southbound lanes of Interstate 95, damaged by a crash and fire, have reopened, the Connecticut Department of Transportation said March 31.

However, state officials issued a warning to motorists that the 45 mph speed limit posted in the area of the accident would be “strictly enforced.”

Just a few days ago, state officials said the bridge could be reopened “as early as Thursday.” So far, every stage of the repair effort has been completed ahead of schedule.

The bridge was damaged in an accident that took place at 7:45 p.m. March 25 between exits 25 and 26 near Route 8 in which a car struck a jackknifed tanker truck. Roughly 9,000 gallons of home heating fuel created a fire so intense that it melted a portion of the bridge. USA Today reported that a car apparently forced the tanker truck into a concrete barrier on the southbound side of the interstate.

State officials had urged tractor-trailers to avoid the area until the highway was fixed.

State officials estimated at the time it would be 10 days before the highway is open, but some placed the estimates longer. Now that the temporary lanes are in use in both directions, the state can begin to plan permanent repairs to the bridge.

I-95 is a major East Coast corridor; the section that contained the accident site links the heavily populated New York City and Boston metropolitan areas.