ODESSA, TX (KWES) - TxDOT announced Friday afternoon that the middle two lanes of the Crane Ave. overpass crossing Interstate 20 will be closed due to safety concerns.
One lane in each direction will remain open and no oversized loads will be allowed to cross the overpass.
Gene Powell, TxDOT Public Information Officer, confirmed that two beams supporting the overpass are damaged after an oversized load struck it earlier on Friday.
Two steel strands in each beam are broken. There is not currently an estimate of how much repairs will cost.
TxDot plans on pursuing payment from the party responsible.
Powell reminds drivers that loads taller than 14 feet, heavier than 80,000 lbs, or wider than 8'6" must be permitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
TXDOT officials said this is the same bridge that just recently reopened in mid-May after being closed for more than a year due to damage from an oversize load.
The report stated that during repairs, the bridge clearance was actually increased by several inches.
