A portion of an Indiana highway has been closed after a bridge was struck by a semi truck on Tuesday morning.
According to the Indiana State Patrol, a tractor trailer hauling a car crusher struck the U.S. 36/Rockville Road bridge on Interstate 465, causing significant damage to the bridge.
Police say the car crusher was “inadvertently raised up during transit” causing “earthquake-like” damage to the pavement on Rockville Road and the underside of the bridge.
The office of Gov. Eric Holcomb issued the following statement after the crash:
“The Governor is aware of the bridge strike involving a semi-trailer on I-465 and Rockville Road in Indianapolis and is grateful no lives were lost in the accident. Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Transportation are keeping him apprised of the situation as it develops. Governor Holcomb has directed the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Transportation to coordinate with local authorities to clear the area and ensure safety and traffic flow as quickly as possible.”
Concrete rained down on the roadway after the bridge was struck. In total, six other vehicles were damaged by falling debris.
Northbound I-465 and U.S. 36 / Rockville Road bridge CLOSED until further notice on Indianapolis' west side https://t.co/3NgLnQegBa
— INDOT East Central (@INDOTEast) January 10, 2017
#IMPDNOW: Rockville Rd bridge east and west traffic is being diverted because bridge is closed. pic.twitter.com/3DLzAl0BK3
— IMPD (@IMPD_News) January 10, 2017
The closures are expected to last at least a week, but could be longer. A portion of the bridge needs to be completely removed and replaced due to the extensive damage, Indiana State Police reported.
The driver of the semi truck, whose identity has not been released, was not injured in the crash.
