The Interstate 10 bridge collapse in California last weekend is forcing drivers to find alternate routes. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, about 24,000 vehicles use I-10 to cross the Arizona-California border every day. Those motorists are now being funneled to state highways bringing heavy traffic to small Arizona towns.  

Parker, Arizona: a town of 3,000 residents, has eight restaurants and two traffic lights on California Avenue, the main drag. This tourist spot on the Colorado River is the last town drivers pass before the California line on state route 95.

Chamber of Commerce Director Mary Hamilton said Monday traffic brought lots of unexpected visitors to the town. 

“Restaurants were slammed,” she said. “The gas stations were very busy. There were lines for gas, as a matter of fact.”

Rick Fuscardo owns Parker Oil. The full-service gas station is the last place to refuel before crossing into California.

He said in 26 years of business, he has never before run out of gas.

“Oh, it was insane,” Fuscardo said. “There was a steady line of traffic like a freeway going both directions.”

Fuscardo sold 60 percent more gas Monday than the average day. He expects the business to continue flow of for the next few months.

“We’re definitely going to keep a good balance in the tanks," he said.

Part of the bridge is expected to re-open Friday.