Interstate 465 reopens sooner than expected after bridge crash

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

The Indiana Department of Transportation said northbound lanes of Interstate 465 reopened Wednesday, only one day after a truck carrying heavy equipment heavily damaged a highway overpass on the west side of Indianapolis.

Authorities initially thought it might be days before the interstate could be reopened.

The Rockville Road bridge over I-465, which carries U.S. 36's traffic, will remain mostly closed until further notice. Two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane will stay open for local access. The ramp to I-465 northbound will remain closed.

INDOT spokesman Nathan Riggs said Tuesday's collision damaged four of the bridge's 14 load-bearing girders, showering the highway with concrete chunks.

The accident prompted Indiana State Police to close nearly four miles of I-465's northbound lanes between the Interstate 70 and 10th Street interchanges.

Crews worked overnight through rain and removed the damaged girders by Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred when a car crusher being hauled by a truck activated and struck concrete beams as the load passed beneath the bridge.

Indiana State Police Capt. Dave Bursten said the car compactor was being hauled by a tractor when that machine malfunctioned and rose on its own.

Indianapolis police say six cars were damaged in the incident and one woman was hospitalized in good condition after debris from the bridge fell onto her car.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In