Timetable to Fix Collapsed I-10 Bridge Could Be Announced as Early as Today

Caltrans officials expressed optimism that a timetable could be announced as early as today for emergency repairs to Interstate 10, which was closed indefinitely between Route 86 and the Arizona State Line after a 30-foot section of a bridge collapsed amid heavy rains in Desert Center, east of Palm Springs.

“We’re optimistic but we can’t be sure,’’ said Joy Schneider, spokeswoman for Caltrans District 8.

Granite Construction Inc. was awarded the emergency contract on Monday to fix the bridge, and representatives of the firm were evaluating the job to determine a timetable, Caltrans officials said.

Related:

• Contractor Hired to Fix Collapsed I-10 Bridge

The bridge failed Sunday afternoon, trapping a truck driver, after heavy rains caused flooding in the area. Firefighters responded to the scene at 4:43 p.m. Sunday, and began a cut- and-rescue operation on the eastbound side of the freeway near the Tex Wash, about a half-mile east of Eagle Mountain, according to Jennifer Fuhrman of the Riverside County Fire Department.

The location is about 50 miles west of Blythe and the Arizona border. The truck driver, who sustained moderate injuries, was freed about 6:50 p.m. and taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, according to the CHP. A passenger had earlier made it out of the vehicle.

Motorists were advised to avoid I-10 travel and use detour routes such as Arizona Route 95 to Interstate 40 or Interstate 8 to State Route 111 to Route 86 to get around the closure. Another option is State Route 177 to State Route 62, then back onto Interstate 10.

Previous:

• Contractor Hired to Fix Collapsed I-10 Bridge
• Official: Freeway Bridge Failure Surprising
• Bridge Collapsed in Desert Center, Trapping Truck Beneath
• Severe Thunderstorm Floods Parts of Riverside
• I-10 Closes Indefinitely at Desert Center After Flood Washed Out Bridge
• Supervisors to Proclaim County Emergency Due to I-10 Closure

I-10 detour map courtesy Caltrans.