Repair work and inspections are expected to take another several days at the site of a fatal tanker crash and fire that occurred over the weekend in Ohio.
The crash occurred Saturday morning, Jan. 27, as the tanker loaded with 7,500 gallons of diesel went over the side of a bridge entering northbound Interstate 271 near Akron. The truck landed on State Route 8 and burst into flames.
The identity of the driver was not released.
Some of the fuel leaked into nearby Brandywine Creek and caught fire.
The Ohio Department of Transportation said its crews have been working with contractors to inspect the roadways and bridges affected by the crash and fire. Additional inspections will be needed this week as crews continue to assess the situation, according to ODOT.
In a statement on its website, ODOT said:
“ODOT inspectors have found that the roadway on the south end of the SR 8 bridge over Brandywine Creek will need repairs. A contractor will be milling off the top layer of the bridge surface and replacing it. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.
“An initial inspection of the ramp from I-271 southbound to SR 8 did not reveal any immediate concerns. However, additional detailed inspections will done to confirm that there is no significant structural damage. The ramp is also being used by crews cleaning up soil at the site. That work is expected to last through most of the week.
“An initial inspection of the flyover ramp that carries northbound SR 8 to northbound I-271 did not find any significant structural damage. Again, additional detailed inspections will be completed before the ramp is allowed to reopen.
“Inspectors also do not believe that there is any structural damage to the flyover ramp that carries northbound SR 8 to northbound I-271. However, additional inspections will be completed before the ramp is allowed to reopen.”
ODOT warns motorists should allow extra time while traveling along this route.
The agency said drivers looking to head south on SR 8 can detour via SR 82 to I-480 to SR 91 to SR 303 back to SR 8. Motorists trying to access I-271 northbound from SR 8 northbound can do so via SR 82.
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