BIG SPRINGS, Neb., May 24 (UPI) -- Work resumed early Saturday to reopen a section of one of the nation's busiest highways closed by a fatal accident.
The Nebraska Department of Roads said crews would work round-the-clock to remove a collapsed bridge and several damaged semitrailers from Interstate 80 just west of Big Springs, Neb.
The bridge collapsed Friday night after a semitrailer traveling westbound on I-80 left the roadway, entered the median and slammed into the support columns for a county road overpass, authorities said.
The driver of the semitruck was killed in the accident, the Nebraska State Patrol said. His identity has not been released.
Authorities said the semi struck the center support, caught fire and was completely destroyed. The collision caused the overpass to collapse onto the semi and partially block both westbound and eastbound lands of I-80.
"This is an unfortunate, tragic accident and my prayers go out to the family of the victim," said Gov. Mike Johanns.
Johanns said all available resources have been made available to clear the accident and reopen the interstate as soon as possible.
Three separate eastbound semis struck the partially collapsed structure. The state patrol said since the accident, which occurred around 8:57 p.m. local time, two of the semis off loaded their cargo and have been removed. One of the semi-tucks was in a passing lane at the time of the collapse and remains stuck underneath the structure.
Authorities said the drivers suffered only minor injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
In a statement, the Nebraska Department of Roads said both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate-80 would remain closed until at least Monday. The collapsed bridge, located 3 miles west of Big Springs, carried local traffic over the interstate.
Due to the nature of the bridge collapse and the amount of rubble, the department said it is not exactly known when the clean-up will be completed.
"Interstate 80 is (a) vital part of Nebraska's and the nation's transportation system," the governor said. "We are going to do everything we can to reopen the roadway as quickly as possible."
The Nebraska State Patrol has closed a 10-mile portion of I-80 and is re-routing traffic. The accident, which occurred two miles east of the junction of I-80 and I-76, has also closed Interstate 76.
Authorities said travelers should expect delays during the busy Memorial Day weekend.
Big Springs is located 20 miles west of Ogallala, Neb., or 315 miles west of Omaha. The city is also just 10 miles from the Nebraska-Colorado border.
