Delays could be possible Friday as crews work to repair part a freeway overpass in Kearny Mesa that was struck by an excavator atop a big rig truck.
Authorities shut down one westbound lane of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard over state Route 163 after the bridge was clipped by the excavator as the truck hauling it headed south around 7:15 a.m. Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans. The impact to the bridge exposed rebar, broke off pieces of concrete and sent debris into the roadway.
Structural engineers later determined the overpass sustained damage to a pair of concrete girders, according to Caltrans.
The far right southbound lane of state Route 163 was closed, but reopened several hours after the crash. It may be closed again as repairs are underway.
A lane on the offramp from northbound state Route 163 to westbound Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and a westbound lane on the overpass remained closed. Caltrans officials said long term closures were expected crews conducted repair work.
"Lane closures on both the overcrossing and freeway will be needed to make the necessary repairs," Caltrans District 11 Director Laurie 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."
Berman said the remaining open lanes of both the overcrossing and the highway were safe and crews were focusing on repairing the damaged portions as quickly as possible.
