Truck plows into overpass on Michigan’s I-96
An overpass in Brighton, Michigan will have to be partially demolished after a too-tall truck collided with it on Wednesday.
I-96 overpass struck by truck to be demolished Thursday night https://t.co/sfaik88VeM
— MLive (@MLive) September 28, 2017
The incident happened last night when a flatbed truck hauling a crane eastbound on I-96 collided with the Pleasant Valley Road bridge.
Dash Cam Video Shows Truck Vs. Overpass Strike
Video footage of the bridge strike was obtained from a different truck driver who was driving behind the truck that hit the overpass.
The flatbed truck was loaded with construction equipment. The dashcam footage leading up to the accident does not show any evidence that there was anything askew with the load.
The truck first hit the sign and then hit the overpass. The sign was ripped off the overpass and the construction equipment was pulled off the trailer by the impact with the overpass.
Alert – all of EB 96 closed at Kensington Rd. East of US 23. Bridge hit. EB 96 may be closed awhile. Alt routes advised. #mdot_metrodet pic.twitter.com/nEP3msXj4u
— MDOT – Ann Arbor (@MDOT_A2) September 27, 2017
The truck that recorded the video slammed on his brakes when he saw the crash, but still hit some of the road sign that had fallen into the road.
Eastbound I-96 Shut Down Until Friday
The road was closed and remained closed overnight. Traffic is expected to be closed until 5 a.m. on Friday.
A detour will be set up when eastbound I-96 is closed that directs motorists to Spencer Road, Old US-23, and Grand River Avenue.
WXYZ reported, “Engineers brought in to examine the Pleasant Valley overpass have determined that they will need to demolish the 1/2 of the bridge that has been damaged. They hope to have bids out sometime Thursday, with demolition also beginning then.”
MDOT released an emergency bid for construction to begin as soon as possible.
Needless to say, EB I-96 will remain closed past US-23 Exit 148 at MM 150 until demolition & cleanup complete.
Not. A. Good. Wednesday. 😥
— Michigan DOT (@MichiganDOT) September 28, 2017
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the truck was four inches too tall for the bridge.
The incident is still under investigation.