By 6 p.m., just two hours after Gov. Malloy lifted the ban on state roads, tractor trailers, cars and SUVs are inching along Main Street as state police work to divert traffic around a motor vehicle accident that caused the eastbound lanes of Route 66 to be closed.
Traffic is heavy between Washington Street all the way to the Arrigoni Bridge into Portland.
Middletown Police say they are aware of and monitoring the situation and stress that no one should be out driving this evening unless it is absolutely necessary.
One or more tractor trailer trucks have broken down or gotten stuck on the Arrigoni Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River between Portland and Middletown, and are limiting vehicle travel over the bridge, Portland police are reporting.
Police said traffic from Middletown into Portland is being affected right now, but did not have additional information.
Tractor trailer traffic in the state was banned as of about two hours ago but the ban was lifted at 4 p.m.