Caltrans outlines emergency response and rebuild after Route 60 tanker fire; environmental mitigation follow'up required

Caltrans engineers briefed the commission on the emergency demolition and replacement of an overcrossing on Route 60 near Montebello after a tanker truck fire on Dec. 14.

What happened and response

Caltrans project staff described the incident: a tanker truck experienced a mechanical failure, its trailer brakes locked, and the vehicle caught fire beneath an overcrossing. The fire severely damaged the bridge; Caltrans obtained emergency contracting authority and a governor'declared emergency that allowed the agency to bypass normal procurement timelines and expedite demolition and reconstruction.

Operational and environmental notes

Caltrans said the Route 60 mainline reopened within approximately three days after demolition of the damaged structure. Hazardous material crews removed fuel and degraded materials; during demolition crews discovered asbestos in utility conduits and worked with utilities and telecommunications companies to relocate fiber and other lines. Caltrans completed the replacement bridge design and construction in about five months and five days. Staff also reported the emergency exemption from standard environmental review requires subsequent mitigation work; Caltrans is coordinating with resource agencies to determine appropriate mitigation measures.

Questions from commissioners and next steps

Commissioners asked whether mitigation had to be addressed despite rebuilding an existing structure; Caltrans staff confirmed that emergency projects set aside the normal environmental review at the time of response but still require follow'up with resource agencies to determine mitigation. Caltrans said it will report back on mitigation plans and other follow'up items and will analyze which expedited procedures used during the emergency could be adopted for non'emergency project acceleration.