CORONA, Calif. (AP) – Nine construction workers were injured – three critically – after a partial bridge collapse at a Southern California freeway on-ramp, authorities said.
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The entire construction project on the 91 freeway has been suspended until Monday, Riverside County Transportation Commission Executive Director Anne Mayer said Saturday, October 10, at press conference in Corona.
Investigators said the bridge’s jack failed, causing it to drop 16 inches.
The cause of the collapse and the extent of the workers’ injuries were not known, Donohue said.
Ten workers were transported to the hospital – nine with injuries. The bridge deck struck the wooden support beams, which hit the workers.
A structural engineering team has inspected the supports and reported on Saturday that the bridge is in the proper position.
East Grand Boulevard was closed between 3rd and Joy streets, according to the Corona Police Department.
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The construction was part of the 91 Project, which is adding regular and tolled express lanes, as well as auxiliary lanes and direct express lane connectors between the 91 and 15 freeways. All worked for Atkinson Walsh Construction Joint Venture.
