Collapsed bridge on I-10 between L.A. and Phoenix could be partly opened in weeks

DESERT CENTER, Calif. (AP) — The interstate bridge that was washed out when a flash flood barreled down a Southern California desert gully could have a limited reopening within weeks.

While the eastbound span of the Interstate 10 bridge collapsed, the westbound span still stands — though severe erosion means it is not passable.

A spokesman for the California Department of Transportation said Monday that work crews plan to shore up the westbound span within several weeks. Eastbound traffic could then use one of the bridge's two lanes, for now.

Caltrans spokesman Will Shuck didn't have an exact timeframe for the limited reopening, but said, "we're certainly not talking about months."

The bridge failed Sunday as remnants from a tropical storm dumped heavy rain on the desert about 50 miles west of the California-Arizona line.