CUMBERLAND, R.I. (AP) – Chunks of concrete from a overpass fell onto Interstate 295 Monday, damaging at least two cars and leading to traffic tieups, but causing no injuries.

Dana Alexander Nolfe, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, said a 20-foot section of the Mendon Road bridge came down in several pieces onto northbound lanes about 2 p.m. She did not immediately know the size of the concrete chunks.

Nolfe described the concrete as “purely decorative” edging and said there was no structural damage to the bridge. Abrupt changes in temperature might have played a role in loosening some of the concrete, she said.

“We never want this to happen and that’s why we’re out there right now making sure that nothing else potentially could be loose,” Nolfe said.

Two vehicles were damaged, but the drivers agreed to drive to the State Police barracks, said Capt. Raymond White of the State Police.

Bridge maintenance and inspection crews were chipping away any other loose concrete and inspecting the entire underside of the bridge, Nolfe said.

The Mendon Road overpass was immediately closed as crews arrived to begin work. Two northbound lanes of the highway were closed Monday afternoon and a third was open for traffic, but motorists should expect delays, Nolfe said.

AP-ES-08-20-07 1657EDT