U.S. Highway 287 has reopened at Erath Street in Fort Worth after crews completed emergency demolition work overnight following a fatal garbage-truck crash that damaged the overpass.
All main lanes of the highway are now open, according to the Fort Worth Police Department. Crews removed a damaged support and part of the Erath Street overpass overnight. The Erath Street overpass itself remains closed and is expected to stay closed through October while repairs continue.
Waste Management Truck Hit Bridge Support
The highway was closed Wednesday evening after a Waste Management dumpster truck left the roadway and struck support pillars beneath the Erath Street overpass.
Fort Worth police said officers were called around 6 p.m. to the 3500 block of Martin Luther King Freeway after the truck crashed into the bridge supports.
The truck’s driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the driver as 33-year-old Tyler Bradley Shivers.
A second occupant was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Police have not announced what caused the truck to leave the roadway. Waste Management said it was cooperating with investigators.
Highway Closures Caused Major Delays
The crash caused significant damage to a bridge support and forced officials to close U.S. 287 in both directions.
TxDOT said northbound traffic was diverted at Wilbarger Street while southbound traffic was diverted at Berry Street/Vaughn during the closure.
Officials initially warned that the highway could remain closed for seven to 10 days while crews evaluated the structural integrity of the bridge.
The highway reopened much sooner than that estimate after crews completed emergency demolition and stabilization work overnight.
Erath Street Overpass To Remain Closed
While U.S. 287 has reopened, the Erath Street overpass remains closed.
TxDOT officials said the overpass sustained substantial damage when the truck struck its supports and will require additional repairs. FOX 4 reported that the overpass is expected to remain closed through October.
The crash investigation remains ongoing.
Provided by Dallas Express
