Los Angeles Freeway Should Reopen Saturday

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (AP) — Officials say tests show that the bridge over the westbound lanes of a Los Angeles area freeway is safe, so it will not have to be demolished and the busy freeway should reopen on Saturday.

California Department of Transportation spokeswoman Judy Gish says crews hope to have the east side of the bridge in Montebello removed later Friday, then work on the pavement can begin and the freeway can be opened by midday Saturday.

Commuters are dealing with miles of gridlock for a third day because a tanker truck caught fire Wednesday on the Pomona Freeway and torched the bridge.

Caltrans hoped to have the freeway open Friday, but work was stopped with the discovery of old telephone lines covered in asbestos. Phone company and hazmat crews dug up all the cables.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.