GRAPEVINE -- A truck crashed into a Texas 114/121 overpass Thursday, forcing officials to shut down the freeway for an emergency overnight bridge inspection, although it was expected to reopen by 6 a.m. today.
The crash, which police said occurred just before noon Thursday, caused traffic delays throughout the afternoon along the 114/121 corridor in Grapevine. That area, the gateway to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport's north entrance, is at the heart of the $1 billion DFW Connector freeway makeover, so maneuvering through traffic can be a challenge even on a good day.On Thursday, eastbound 114 was reduced to two lanes until 8 p.m., then shut down entirely for the night so inspectors could get an up-close look at the bridge damage."There is evidence that the 18-wheeler was hauling a load that was a little too tall and hit the bottom of the bridge," Grapevine police Sgt. Robert Eberling said. "He was hauling some sort of Caterpillar implement."Grapevine's commercial vehicle inspection team investigated the crash and "did find violations," Eberling said. He said he hadn't seen the final report and wasn't sure whether the driver had been ticketed.The inspection was needed because state officials were concerned that the structural integrity of the bridge had been compromised, Texas Transportation Department spokesman Tony Hartzel said.The crash occurred about a mile west of the airport's north entrance. Travelers may wish to use the south entrance at Texas 183, near the Euless/Irving border. Through traffic may also want to use 183 or cut through the airport at Glade Road or Mid-Cities Boulevard.For local Grapevine traffic, Texan Trail is shut down in both directions until further notice, and motorists are being detoured to Main Street.If the bridge is seriously damaged, it could pose an interesting question for the Transportation Department and NorthGate Constructors, hired to rebuild the DFW Connector corridor. Part of the Texan Trail bridge is scheduled to be demolished and replaced this year -- including some work on the northbound side of the bridge scheduled for next week.State officials and the contractor may weigh whether it would be worthwhile to close Texan Trail earlier than planned rather than repair a bridge that is scheduled for the wrecking ball.Gordon Dickson, 817-390-7796Twitter: @gdicksonHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
