Drivers experienced major delays in Houston on Thursday morning after a semi truck accidentally pulled down a large highway sign.
The accident happened on June 23rd on Interstate 69 at Bissonnet in Houston, Texas.
According to ABC 13 News, a semi truck hauling a dump trailer was traveling along I-69 when the bed began to rise. The truck driver realized what was going on and tried to hit the brakes but could not stop in time, and the raised bed struck a highway sign and the attached metal structure. The force of the impact pulled down the highway sign and scattered the truck’s load of scrap metal.
Another car appears to have been involved in the incident, but details have not been released. No information on injuries sustained in the wreck has been shared.
The southbound lanes of I-69 were shut down at Bissonnet as crews worked to clear the mess and was not expected to reopen until mid-afternoon on Thursday. As of 12:30 p.m. the roadway was yet to be reopened.
UPDATE: Crews are working to clear the hazmat/ heavy truck incident on I-69 Southwest Freeway southbound at Bissonnet. All mainlanes remain closed. Crews anticipate getting the mainlanes back open in 2-3 hours. pic.twitter.com/54eJyTGMCO
— TxDOT- HOU District (@TxDOTHouston) June 23, 2022
Crews were reportedly using torches to dismantle the sign. Officials are recommending the Westpark Tollway as an alternate route.