The trucking company involved in a bridge crash that will affect traffic in the area for months has been involved in five previous crashes and cited for multiple violations.
The crash happened near Medford, Massachusetts on southbound I-93 at Exit 24 and Roosevelt Circle on July 19th.
According to NBC Boston, the Roosevelt Circle Overpass suffered “extensive” damage on Monday afternoon when an oversized load tried to squeeze beneath it and got stuck.
The driver was cited for operating a vehicle that was “over height,” and for violating a permit issued by the Department of Transportation by not having flag cars and for being off route. I-93 was not on the truck’s permitted route. He is facing a $210 fine.
Now, it is revealed that the trucking company involved, Dove Transportation out of Alabama, has been involved in five crashes and multiple violations in recent years. However, the violations are all considered low risk and no injuries or fatalities were suffered in the wrecks.
Additionally, the truck involved in the bridge strike was most recently inspected in April of this year and had no violations.
Dove Transportation has declined to comment except to say that they are waiting for the investigation of the incident to conclude what exactly caused the crash.
93S in #Medford down to two lanes due to over-sized tractor-trailer that hit overpass yesterday. Crews demolishing part of bridge now. #traffic #boston #nbc10boston pic.twitter.com/pwvZdtzQ45
— Katie Brace (@KatieBraceNews) July 20, 2021
A 7 foot section of the damaged overpass is currently being demolished as part of the repair and is expected to continue through Wednesday. The completion of the repair is expected to take several months, and the overpass will be closed throughout this time. Drivers are told to expect continued delays on Route 1 south, Route 16 and Route 28 while long-term repairs are made.
“Our first priority is to safely stabilize the structure, which is underway,” Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said to NBC Boston. “Drivers are urged to avoid the area and consider public transportation options until I-93 southbound can be fully reopened. Travelers who use Roosevelt Circle should expect restricted lanes for several months until permanent repairs can be made.”
“Obviously not excited,” said Klossner, who lives along Roosevelt Circle in Medford. “This is going to be our new normal for the next coming weeks or months.”