I-79 and Route 68 restricted after accident until bridge inspections complete
JACKSON TWP — Lane restrictions are in place on I-79 and Route 68 after an excavator and a truck carrying an oversized load collided with an interstate bridge Tuesday morning, with one crashing into both.
Road crews have closed the passing lane on I-79 North, driving lane on I-79 South, which are situated on two parallel bridges, and restricted traffic to a single alternating lane on Route 68 which runs under them.
Area police and fire fighters responded Tuesday morning to reports of an excavator crashing into the bridge at around 10 a.m.
About an hour later a truck bearing an oversize load crashed into the bridge while crews were cleaning up from the excavator.
PennDOT is now assessing the damage to the bridges to ensure they are safe for travel.
“Our bridge inspection team is out inspecting the damage,” said Deborah Casadei, PennDOT spokeswoman.
One of the vehicles involved struck both bridges, though Casadei did not specify which. PennDOT is now waiting on the inspection team's report at which time they can decide on further action and will have a better understanding of how long the lane restrictions will be in affect.
