Caltrans Reopens Portion Of 10 Fwy Following Bridge Damage

DESERT CENTER (CBSLA.com) — Officials reopened a portion of the 10 Freeway on Friday just five days after flash flooding damaged several bridges in the area.

One lane reopened in each direction of the freeway at noon, officials said.

On Sunday, a 30-foot section of the Tex Wash bridge collapsed due to heavy rains.

The 10 Freeway was subsequently shut down between State Route 86 and the Arizona state line, which blocked traffic on the primary roadway for motorists between both states.

"About 20,000 drivers use this bridge each day, traveling between Arizona and California," U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. "It is a critical piece of infrastructure for the people in both states, and DOT is committed to doing everything we can to help the area rebuild quickly and safely."

Meanwhile, Granite Construction Inc. workers have strengthened the westbound side of the bridge to allow for two-way traffic.

Repairs were also made to two other bridges, Adair Ditch Bridge and Hillock Ditch Bridge, which were found in need of upgrades on the freeway.

"I am proud of Caltrans and Granite Construction staff working together to repair and reopen I-10 in less than five days after a storm damage event of this magnitude," said Interim District 8 Director John Bulinski. "I also want to thank the public and those communities most impacted for their patience during this inconvenience."

On Thursday, federal officials announced the immediate availability of $2 million in funding to help cover costs that are associated with rebuilding the roadway.

The relief funding will be provided by the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program.

Crews are expected to focus on the eastbound side of the roadway.

Motorists were advised to use detour routes such as Arizona Route 95 to Interstate 40, Interstate 8 to State Route 111 to Route 86, or State Route 177 to State Route 62 to the 10 Freeway in order to avoid the closure area.

Authorities advised that traffic will remain to be heavier and slower than usual even with the reopening of lanes.

Transportation officials held a news conference at 10 a.m. to discuss construction and repairs at the site of the collapse.