Westbound bridge on I-70 closed; repairs under way

BALTIMORE (AP) — Highway officials say the westbound bridge on Interstate 70 over the Patapsco River has been closed for emergency repairs after a crack was found in a beam under the structure.

The State Highway Administration ordered the bridge closed about 3:30 p.m. Friday just before rush hour. The bridge that goes over the river at the Baltimore County-Howard County line carries an average of 100,000 vehicles a day.

SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar says a crew painting underneath the bridge on Friday noticed a crack in a metal beam and notified state officials. He says engineers have designed a fix and a contractor is fabricating the piece to make repairs.

Gischlar said repairs could continue until early Monday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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