Damage to freeway bridge causes Aldine-Westfield closure to traffic – One westboound lane also closed on Beltway 8

Southbound traffic on Aldine-Westfield has been blocked. Northeast News Photo/Paita

Aldine Westfield (southbound) at North Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8) has been closed to thru traffic after a big rig carrying giant spools smashed into the overpass last Thursday, August 8, 2013. The spools smashed right into the sign that warns drivers of the height limit. North Beltway 8 is down by a lane. Because of the closure of Aldine Westfield, drivers will have to fimd alternative routes. Coming from JFK Blvd., one would have to drive all the way to W. Hardy Rd. to make a U-turn and drive back to make a right into Aldine Westfield.

According to TxDOT, it will cost about a quarter million dollars to repair the overpass, and it’s planning to recover expenses so it won’t affect taxpayers’ pockets. The overall time for completion is between 2-3 months, TxDOT said. The Houston Police Department needs to first finish the investigation on the crash before starting any repairs.