BALTIMORE (AP) — Highway officials say the westbound bridge on Interstate 70 over the Patapsco River has been closed for emergency repairs after a crack was found in a beam under the structure.

The State Highway Administration ordered the bridge closed about 3:30 p.m. Friday just before rush hour. The bridge that goes over the river at the Baltimore County-Howard County line carries an average of 100,000 vehicles a day.

SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar says a crew painting underneath the bridge on Friday noticed a crack in a metal beam and notified state officials. He says engineers have designed a fix and a contractor is fabricating the piece to make repairs.

Gischlar said repairs could continue until early Monday.

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