HOUSTON -- A big rig's lost load damaged a ramp on the North Belt, forcing it to be closed for at least one day, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Officials said an 18-wheeler lost a load on the North Belt eastbound ramp to Highway 59 South in northeast Houston shortly after 4 p.m.

A 58,000-pound sludge pump fell off the trailer as it went around the curve, creating a hole in the ramp and concrete guardrail.

The damaged ramp will be closed until repairs are completed, which is expected to take at least 24 hours.

Motorists are asked to use the frontage road to get around the closure.

Check Traffic Now:

• Houston TranStar Real-Time Traffic Map


• Traffic Pulse Real-Time Traffic Map


• Traffic Section


• Houston Transtar


• Texas Dept. of Transportation Web site or call 800-452-9292


• Harris County Office of Emergency Management Web site

Check Construction Information:

Map: Freeway Construction Projects
TxDOT Freeway Construction Schedule