Crews working to repair I-10 utility bridge trying to beat the heat

Temperatures are back in the triple digits and the heat has certainly been a strain for those working to repair a damaged utility bridge at I-10 and Mesa in Downtown El Paso.

The bridge was damaged when a truck driver reaching for a bottle of water accidentally drove up an embankment and crashed into the utility bridge, which supports water and electricity pipes for the local utilities. The truck driver was able to exit his tractor trailer moments after it went up in flames.

The Monsoon has been on a bit of a break and El Paso is experiencing drier air. That’s allowing temperatures to soar to near record levels, so those working to fix I-10 are having a hard time keeping cool.

” We’re making sure that the workers have water, they always do. They’re staying in the shade when possible they’re taking frequent breaks, and being careful to take care of one another as well,” says TX DOT Spokeswoman Jennifer Wright.

While there were always plenty of workers on shift during the day, quite a few were soaking in the shade and taking plenty of water breaks underneath nearby trees.