Georgia highway closed after truck crashed into bridge, moving it 6 feet

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The large truck struck the bridge in Treutlen County, Georgia, causing it to shift from its supports 6 feet above the road below, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) said in a statement Press.

Traffic has been closed in both directions and diverted since the incident, the statement said.

The highway cannot be reopened until the entire bridge deck has been destroyed, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said on Thursday. The state plans to focus on reopening a westbound lane from Savannah to Macon by Sunday morning, and opening an eastbound lane by Monday.

“This will be the fastest way to reopen I-16,” McMurry said. “We already have crews there, underway, getting ready for this demolition, and the mobilization of specialized demolition equipment is on its way and will begin demolition tonight.”

Reopening the westbound lane, which runs from Savannah to Macon, is the priority, according to McMurray, for a number of reasons, including the flow of goods from the Port of Savannah to central Georgia and the metro area of ​​Georgia. ‘Atlanta. However, this is also the biggest security issue.

The state plans to open at least one lane by Sunday morning, followed by an eastbound lane on Monday.

“We expect the full reopening of I-16 to take place by the middle to the end of next week. Obviously, weather permitting and many complicating demolition factors. That’s our goal. “said the commissioner.

The driver is believed to have survived the crash, but it’s unclear why the rear trailer was in place, GDOT said.

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