Pomona-60 Freeway to reopen by Friday night
MONTEBELLO, CA (BDCi) – Cal Trans officials told local media today that the Pomona or “60” freeway closure between the 710 and 605 freeways, caused by a gigantic tanker truck fire Wednesday, should reopen no later than Friday evening.
At issue is the speed at which demolition of the Paramount Boulevard bridge in Montebello can be completed. Cal Trans engineers reported to the Los Angeles Times that the steel reinforcements within the concrete on the eastern side of the overpass were compromised in the blaze, and that demolition of that side needs to happen before reopening of the freeway.
If the west side of the overpass is evaluated as stable enough, the freeway opening could happen as early as noon Friday. Demolishing the west side of the bridge would bring the completion time to 5p.m. according to the spokesperson for the agency.
Re-construction of the bridge is the more long term issue and is likely to take several months, including the required bidding and engineering time.
Traffic Thursday to and from the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire was seriously hampered with the closure of the 60 freeway. The 210, 5 and 10 freeways were especially strained.
By: Don Weinstein Source: Los Angeles Times, KTLA Photo courtesy of KTLA 15 December 2011
1:40p.m. P.S.T.