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Bridge inspection near fatal fiery crash underway

Posted at 1:30 PM, Jul 12, 2017
and last updated 2018-07-24 21:30:55-04

Bridge inspectors are looking at the condition of the concrete and steel at the I-35 overpass at Valley Mills Drive where a fatal fiery crash happened on Tuesday afternoon.

The overpass, which was subjected to heat, was opened briefly on Tuesday afternoon. However, it was closed soon after because of falling concrete.

According to TxDOT spokesman Ken Roberts, when concrete is 30 to 40 years old and is subjected to that intense heat, anything can happen.

"There is going to be an intense drying effect, which is possibly going to cause some cracking, as a result of that when you have the concrete crack, any vibrations of vehicles passing over can bring that loose and cause it to fall," Roberts said.

He added TxDOT will make sure there are no issues from a safety standpoint drivers should be aware of before the overpass is reopened.

The agency wants to see there are no cracks or any damage they could not see initially from a cursory inspection on Tuesday and during overnight hours, according to Roberts.

The inside lanes on both sides of I-35 will remain closed while the inspection takes place.

 READ MORE:

3 people died after 18-wheeler wreck on I-35

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