Oct 20 2008
Bridge Damaged by Fire in Dallas
Source Dallasnews.com
The four-lane highway overpass south of downtown Dallas that was damaged during a tanker truck crash earlier this week will be demolished next week and rebuilt by mid-December, authorities said today.
In the meantime, State Highway 310 will remain closed near U.S. Highway 175 until the bridge is finished. U.S. Highway 175 is expected to reopen on Oct. 31.
Texas Department of Transportation engineers evaluated the bridge near a bend — dubbed “Deadman’s curve” because of its near 90-degree turn — earlier this week and determined it needs to be torn down and rebuilt.
The bridge was damaged Sunday afternoon when a tanker truck hauling thousands of gallons of fuel slammed into a retaining wall on the bend of U.S. 175, causing a fire to burn for hours.
Robert Lee Pride, 27, the driver, told police his front right tire blew, causing him to lose control. The accident report also cited speed as another possible cause. Mr. Pride was able to escape the crash without any serious injuries.
Demolition is slated to begin on Wednesday. The bridge should be finished by Dec. 15.
