I-10 traffic re-routed after bridge collapse in California

Regarding the closure of Interstate 10 in California, Arizona Department of Transportation reports westbound traffic can get as far as Blythe.

Though it was the eastbound bridge at Desert Center that collapsed Sunday due to heavy rains, the westbound bridge also remains closed for inspection. The area is about 50 miles west of the Arizona border.

One person was injured in the bridge collapse when his vehicle went over the side. “Bystanders quickly used straps from their trucks to secure vehicle to guardrail to prevent it from washing away,” Riverside County Fire Department reported. “Fire resources used tools underwater and performed the patient extrication in rapidly rising water with pieces of asphalt and debris falling.”

California and Arizona officials have been re-routing traffic to Interstate 8 and Interstate 40.

According to the Associated Press, inspectors plan to assess more bridges along a 30-mile stretch of the interstate after another bridge showed signs of damage.

No time frame is being given for the reopening of westbound traffic on the I-10. RCFD described the westbound bridge as “undermined.”

For updates, follow ADOT on Twitter at @ArizonaDOT