Pedestrian overpass struck by excavator arm remains closed

A pedestrian overpass remains closed after it was struck by an excavator transported on a flatbed trailer.

TXDOT officials tell ABC-7 the tractor-trailer was heading south on U.S 54 Tuesday morning when it struck the pedestrian bridge between Hercules and Hondo Pass. Engineers were sent to inspect the damage.

“They examined the bridge and they consulted with our bridge division in Austin and they were given clearance to go ahead and open U.S. 54 to traffic underneath the bridge, but they did close the pedestrian bridge,” TXDOT Spokeswoman Jennifer Wright said.

Chunks of cement fell onto passing vehicles, fortunately no injuries were reported.

“It appears two beams were impacted yesterday. Despite the fact that those two beams were impacted, the bridge is still stable and it didn’t require any additional shoring up so cars can pass under it without any fear of its collapse because it is that sturdy. Even though two beams were impacted it did not collapse and will not collapse,” Wright said.

After the incident, structural engineers surveyed the damaged and examined the pedestrian bridge.

“They actually went up on cherry pickers and examined the bridge structure itself and there was no additional cracking around there so we don’t expect that anything will befall the bridge in the meantime while we’re waiting for it to be repaired.”

The bridge, which is used by nearby residents and students, will remain closed until further notice.

There is no current estimate for the repairs.