Bridge wreck closes Highway 114, snarling TMS traffic for IndyCar
06/06/12 An early-morning accident has closed down Highway 114 near the Texas Motor Speedway, just days before the Firestone 500 and Hoon Kaboom race weekend.
About 4:45 a.m., an 18-wheeler hauling a cylinder made of rebar was driving westbound just west of the Speedway when the driver attempted to drive under a railroad overpass that was 13 feet, 10 inches high.
The large cylinder, of the type used in highway bridge supports, struck the railroad overpass and fell off the trailer onto Highway 114.
Another vehicle then struck either the 18-wheeler or the cylinder as it lay in the road.
Although no serious injuries were reported, road safety officials have closed Highway 114 in both directions to make repairs to the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad overpass, and also check the surface of the road.
For the next day, westbound traffic will be rerouted to FM 156, and then drivers can take 156 south to Westport Parkway to get onto I-35W.
Through rush hour at least, eastbound traffic is being routed through the Texas Motor Speedway parking lots.
Drivers head north on Jarrett, drive around on Victory Circle, then west on Petty Place.