Officials To Assess Damage At Site Of Bridge Collapse Near Palm Springs

DESERT CENTER (CBSLA.com) — Structural engineers Monday are expected to assess damage at the site of a bridge collapse near Palm Springs.

Just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, a 30-foot section of the 10 Freeway collapsed into water due to heavy rains and flooding in the area.The collapse occurred about 50 miles west of Blythe and the Arizona border.

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, firefighters rescued a truck driver who became trapped.

The driver was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment of moderate injuries sustained in the crash, according to California Highway Patrol officers. An update on the driver's condition was not immediately available.

The freeway remains closed in both directions between Route 86 and the Arizona state line until further notice.

Officials reported State Routes 177 and 78 also remain closed due to flooding.

Motorists were advised to 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.

Caltrans will release an estimated reopening time for the 10 Freeway when damage has been assessed and officials determine what repairs need to be made.

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