Monroe County’s Pate Road bridge reopens after I-75 accident

Monroe County residents no longer have to detour miles around the Pate Road Bridge over Interstate 75.

The overpass reopened Tuesday evening for the first time since a fiery crash damaged the bridge Sept. 20, said Kimberly Larson, spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

A refrigerated tractor trailer caught fire after overturning and being struck by another vehicle at about 6:30 a.m. that Sunday.

Concrete on the overpass cracked in the extreme heat and crews have been working ever since to make sure the bridge is safe for travel.