RIDGEFIELD, Conn. (AP) – Route 7 in Ridgefield will reopen in time for rush hour on Friday morning, three days after a fatal, fiery gasoline tanker truck crash damaged a highway bridge over the Norwalk River, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said.

The heavily traveled roadway was closed in both directions on Tuesday after the tanker truck, carrying 8,000 gallons of gasoline, overturned and burst into flames after swerving to avoid another vehicle, authorities said.

The truck driver, Ricky Butler, 46, was killed. Police are still looking for the driver of the other vehicle, described as a white SUV.

The bridge is being reinforced with temporary shoring until permanent repairs can be completed. The road was expected to open at 5 a.m. Friday.

Rell said it was important to reopen the highway as soon as possible. Route 7 is the major north-south road in western Connecticut, with about 15,000 vehicles using it every day.

“The outstanding work of our Connecticut state employees in the wake of this tragic accident once again demonstrates the dedication they have to serving our citizens,” Rell said.