LA-Area Freeway Tunnel Scorched By Fire To Reopen
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles freeway underpass shut down nearly six months ago by a fiery tanker truck crash will reopen this week.
The California Department of Transportation on Friday plans to reopen the connecting tunnel between northbound Interstate 5 and northbound State Route 2 after an estimated $16.5 million worth of clearance and repair work.
The 300-foot tunnel near Glendale was closed in July after a tanker caught fire and sent a stream of burning fuel into the nearby Los Angeles River.
The intense heat charred the concrete, and brittle chunks fell off. Repair work began in November.
Caltrans spokesman Patrick Chandler says crews worked nearly around the clock to make repairs. He says the federal government will reimburse the state for the repair costs under an emergency relief program.
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