INDIANAPOLIS - Interstate 465 near I-69/Binford Boulevard on the city's northeast side remains closed pending emergency bridge inspections and testing of steel bridge beams.
At about 7 p.m. tonight first responders cleared the scene of an earlier propane tanker explosion, allowing inspections to begin for the two bridges that carry eastbound and westbound I-465 over an I-69 southbound exit ramp and an adjacent rail line. More than a dozen engineers and inspectors from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, Purdue University School of Civil Engineering and private bridge contractors are participating in ongoing inspections this evening.
INDOT's top priority in responding to this morning's tanker crash is reopening I-465 and adjacent I-69 ramps as soon as bridge inspectors and structural engineers determine it is safe for traffic to travel over or under the bridges. INDOT Commissioner Michael W. Reed and Chief of Staff Robert L. Zier were at the crash site this afternoon leading the agency's response efforts.
Vertical bridge piers and horizontal bridge beams support the sections of concrete bridge pavement immediately above. Even if long-term repairs are required, it is possible that portions of one or both bridges could safely be reopened. INDOT will return to the bridges tomorrow morning to take samples from the steel bridge beams, which will be rushed to a lab for further strength testing. Of the 45 concrete pier columns that support the two bridges, one was knocked out as a result of the incident and will need to be replaced with temporary and then permanent supports.
I-465 eastbound remains closed between U.S. 31/Meridian Street and the 56th Street/Shadeland Avenue interchanges. I-465 westbound remains closed between the I-69 northbound exit ramp and the ramp entering from I-69 southbound. Below is a listing of ramps that are open and closed at the busy I-465 and I-69 interchange.
· I-465 northbound ramp to I-69 northbound: OPEN
· I-69 southbound ramp to I-465 westbound: OPEN
· I-69 southbound ramp to I-465 southbound: CLOSED
· Binford Boulevard northbound ramp that loops up to enter I-465 westbound: CLOSED
· I-465 eastbound ramp that loops down to enter I-69 northbound: CLOSED
· I-465 eastbound ramp to Binford Boulevard southbound: CLOSED
Local traffic should plan extra time and stagger their commutes in anticipation of alternate routes being congested. Dynamic message boards posted along interstates approaching Indianapolis encourage through traffic to follow I-65 and I-70. Vehicles over 13 feet 6 inches in height must contact Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services for a permitted route. All motorists are encouraged to "know before you go" by checking local traffic reports and INDOT's traveler information Web site, http://trafficwise.in.gov/
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