Turner Diagonal ramp closed

This view shows a broken girder attached between a semi cab and trailer that snapped and is laying on the ramp from the Turner Diagonal to K-32. An oversized load with lots of weight makes this a difficult removal. (KDOT photo)

The Turner Diagonal westbound to K-32 westbound ramp was closed at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, July 12 because of a broken girder from a semi-trailer on the ramp.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, it is expected to reopen around 7 p.m. Saturday.

Motorists are asked to use alternate routes during the ramp closure.

According to a KDOT spokesman, a semi cab with a trailer tipped, and the connection between the two snapped.

The bridge girder on the trailer tipped as well, and when it hit the ground, on its side, it snapped in half, according to KDOT. The bridge girder on the trailer will be cut apart in four sections and removed.

This was the third semi transport of a bridge girder through the ramp this morning. The damaged bridge girder piece will take several weeks to reproduce, KDOT said.

Damage to about 100 feet of guardrail along the ramp also has occurred from the traffic incident, according to KDOT.