July 22--A stretch of the 10 Freeway that was shut down when heavy rain washed out a bridge halfway between Coachella and the Arizona border over the weekend will reopen Friday, officials announced.
Starting at noon that day, one lane will be open in each direction, the California Department of Transportation said.
Thirty feet of the eastbound lanes washed away in Sunday's storm. Caltrans said the bridge supporting the westbound lanes will be strengthened so it can bear the two-way traffic as repairs are made to the other side.
Existing detours are to remain in effect for the next few days.
Work to reopen the freeway is being expedited, and an emergency contract was awarded Monday to a construction company, Caltrans said.
Two other bridges in the area -- Adair Ditch Bridge and Hillock Ditch Bridge -- needed minor repairs, which were to be completed Tuesday, Caltrans said.
The collapse was about 9 miles east of Hell. The closest town with a large population is about 50 miles away, in Blythe.
A driver had to be rescued from a truck that was on the bridge when it collapsed, but he suffered no major injuries, authorities said.
UPDATE
5:50 p.m.: This post has been updated with additional information from Caltrans and background information.
The first version of this post was published at 4:47 p.m.
