For a while, traffic around Boston will be bad.
Don’t panic if you feel like you are going back to the beginning of this article. A week ago, we reported about a truck which rammed a Georgia highway bridge so hard that it fell six feet from its foundation. A second truck-bridge collision has now crossed our radar. While it doesn’t seem as serious, it occurred on a much busier section of highway.
You’ve probably heard of it if you’re reading this in the Boston metropolitan area. WBZ4 Boston reports that a tractor-trailer hauling an oversize load collided with a bridge in Medford, a northern Boston suburb. It happened just before the afternoon rush hour of July 19, as the truck was travelling south on Interstate 93. Although it is not known what the truck was carrying, it appears to be a large water tower. The load was too high to fit under the Roosevelt Circle overpass, which is located near exit 74, seven miles north of Boston. A passenger in the truck sustained only minor injuries.
This bridge is able to be repaired, unlike the Georgia collision. Traffic on I-93 is currently restricted to only two lanes, although the highway is open for crews who are removing damaged material from the structure and strengthening it. Although all four lanes may be open on July 21, the bridge will remain closed for a while. Repair work could take up to six to eight months. During that time, I-93 would also be closed. Boston is notorious for its traffic jams, and anyone who has driven through it knows this. This will not be enjoyable.
It’s not clear how this happened. According to WBZ 4 Jonathan Gulliver, Massachusetts State Highway Administrator, the truck had to go under other bridges at the same height before it reached this one. The possibility that the load might have moved or been loosen, which could cause it to rise, is one theory. However, at this stage, the investigation continues and no particular cause or fault has been found.
This is something we often repeat, but please be safe. If you are tall or haul taller loads, double-check your height before driving. Also, be sure to know your route.