PennDOT Inspectors Activated Emergency Plan After Quake

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Despite the size of the quake, our area appears to have escaped any major damage.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation inspectors are out checking bridges and roadways as a precaution.

"Looking for any abnormalities in the pavement or deck joints they may see," Gene Blaum with PennDOT explained.

From Interstate Highways to Non-Interstate expressways, PennDOT has dozens of inspectors out immediately following the quake to ensure the roadways and the bridges in Philadelphia's five-county region are structurally sound. Eyewitness News has learned the Penn Street Bridge in Reading has been closed due to cracks in the pavement but the cracks may have been there before the earthquake. Officials say better safe than sorry and their work is just a part of their emergency response plan.

Blaum added, "We're looking at bridges over 200 ft in length, bridges with height of 60 ft or greater. We're also looking at bridges with specific design details. We want to make sure that everything is still intact."

Officials say there may be minor traffic disruptions and ask for drivers to be patient. The goal is to have the inspections completed in just a few days.

The last time the agency conducted a similar inspection was four years ago after the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3