Eastbound traffic on Interstate 10 is being delayed approaching Benson because two trucks were involved in a crash and caught fire beneath the overpass at the Mescal Road traffic interchange, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Motorists going east through the area face two options. They can wait out a delay in excess of one hour on I-10. As an alternative, drivers can exit at State Route 83 and detour south to State Route 82, then proceed east to State Route 90 and return northbound back to eastbound I-10. That 67-mile detour takes approximately 90 minutes to reconnect to I-10 east of Tucson.
Motorists who stay on I-10 are being routed off at the Mescal exit (Exit 297) and directed back onto the highway east of the Mescal bridge.
Those driving from the town of Mescal who want to travel east on I-10 will be required to take westbound I-10 to the Empirita Road exit and then get back on the I-10 heading eastbound.
ADOT crews are also on the scene and are working with local emergency responders to reopen the highway as soon as possible. ADOT inspectors are assessing any damage to the bridge to ensure it is safe for traffic.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash, which occurred late Tuesday evening.
There is no anticipated time for the highway to reopen.
