The New Chain of Rocks Bridge on Interstate 270 is closed to traffic in both directions this morning following a major vehicle fire that erupted near the Missouri-Illinois border.
The incident was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. According to the Illinois State Police, the fire broke out on the eastbound side of the interstate near milepost 1. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze and manage the growing traffic congestion on one of the region’s vital transit arteries.
As of late Sunday morning, authorities have fully shuttered the span to ensure the safety of motorists and first responders. Travelers attempting to head westbound on I-270 are being diverted at Illinois Route 3, while eastbound traffic is being blocked at the bridge entrance. The closure has already begun to cause significant delays for drivers navigating the St. Louis metropolitan area, and officials are urging commuters to seek alternate routes, such as I-255 or the McKinley Bridge, to avoid the immediate area.
While the sight of thick smoke billowing from the bridge prompted initial concern from passing motorists, Illinois State Police have confirmed that there have been no injuries reported as a result of the fire. The vehicle involved remains on the bridge, and crews are currently working to extinguish the flames and clear the debris. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the bridge will remain inaccessible while investigators assess the structural integrity of the roadway and clear the hazardous site.
The New Chain of Rocks Bridge, a critical connector spanning the Mississippi River, serves as a high-volume route for both commercial and passenger traffic. The sudden closure has created a logistical hurdle for Sunday travelers, and emergency management teams are coordinating to expedite the cleanup process.
State police have indicated that they will provide further updates as the scene is cleared and an inspection of the bridge surface is completed. Motorists are encouraged to monitor local traffic reports and official Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) social media channels for real-time updates regarding the reopening of the interstate.
Local authorities have not provided an estimated time for when the bridge will be cleared for travel. Commuters should expect lingering congestion in the surrounding area throughout the afternoon.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
