I-70 Closure

[jimmnn]

Mesa County MM-22 to 30 semi accident, fire, bridge damage and poss hazmat.

Grand Jct U/D: Now poss hazmat involved, unk type acid and chlorine odor rptd around truck..cmd req Hazmat coord, County OEM, and sand from CDOT ASAP along with VMS activation and extension of I-70 closure WB to Exit 22..media staging at church on 26 1/2 Rd just S of I-70 (009)


O/F 154.445, DTRS, Online

Jim<

 

[jimmnn]

GRAND JUNCTION - A semi truck crashed into an overpass on Interstate 70 Wednesday morning killing one and severely damaging the bridge.

According to the Grand Junction Fire Department, the semi truck was heading westbound on I-70 when it veered off the road striking the column and bursting into flames shortly before 3 a.m.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says the impact of the semi truck took out one of the columns, but the bridge has not collapsed.

Officials did not release any information about the victim or about any other possible victims.

Structural engineers will assess the damage and structural stability.

I-70 is closed in both directions from Clifton to Highway 6 while the fire department and CDOT investigate. Traffic is being detoured through Grand Junction. Semi trucks are urged to use I-80 or U.S. 50 as alternate routes.

 

[jimmnn]

Commuters diverted, I-70 closed

Wednesday, August 15, 2007, 07:47 AM

Motorists who usually drive Interstate 70 or traverse the 26 1/2 Road overpass are encouraged to take alternate routes this morning after a fiery truck crash closed the interstate just after 2:30 a.m. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, but one person is confirmed dead and authorities suspect there might be another trapped beneath the charred remains of the truck. Morning commuters are advised that I-70 is closed from 24 Road to the Clifton exit where traffic is being re-routed onto the Interstate 70 Business Loop. Travelers heading to the airport are advised to take F Road. The interstate could remain closed for three days or more as debris is removed and the overpass is repaired, said Linda Bowman, Grand Junction Police Department spokeswoman.