An overpass above southbound State Route 163 that was struck by a semi-truck will need substantial repairs, which will require long-term lane closures, Caltrans confirmed.
On Thursday, around 7:15 a.m., a flatbed semi-truck carrying a backhoe construction machine crashed into the bottom of a bridge overpass on SR-163 at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.
Concrete debris fell from the overpass into at least one freeway lane below and officials shut down traffic on the right lane of SR-163 and the left lane of westbound Clairemont Mesa Boulevard during the morning commute.
Caltrans structural engineers were then called out to inspect the bridge for safety and assess the damage.
Caltrans said engineers found the overpass had sustained damage to a pair of concrete girders on its northwest quadrant, which will now require repairs.
Caltrans District 11 Director Laurie Berman said this process will come with some closures and impact to local traffic.
“Lane closures on both the overcrossing and freeway will be needed to make the necessary repairs,” Berman said. “We are expecting delays on both the freeway and city streets through the area during peak commute hours, so motorists should seek alternate routes for the next few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Berman assured the remaining open lanes of the overpass and freeway are safe.
Caltrans said the repair work will begin as soon as possible. The cost of repairs is undetermined at this time.
No one was injured in the accident.
