SAUGUS, Mass. – Traffic flow on Route 1 in Saugus will be affected until further notice and permanent repairs will be required after a garbage truck hit a freeway overpass during the height of the Friday morning commute, officials said. officials say.
The truck was traveling on the southbound side of the freeway when it struck the Walnut Street bridge around 7 p.m., according to MassDOT.
Heavy traffic delays occurred and persisted throughout the morning commute. Traffic on the freeway is still affected, but is improving.
In a statement, officials said, “The travel lane width restriction on westbound Walnut Street will remain in place until interim repairs are completed. The MassDOT contractor plans to implement the interim repair during an overnight operation this weekend. Permanent repairs will be designed and implemented at a later date. An updated traffic advisory will be issued for this work.”
MassDOT has since activated message boards around the affected area to highlight the incident. Signs, traffic control devices, temporary detour signs and variable message boards will be used to guide drivers through the work zone.
Drivers are asked to slow down as they approach and travel through the work zone and allow additional time.
It is unclear whether the truck driver will be cited for the crash.
Crash with a bridge strike #Safe-deposit box on US-1 SB at Walnut Street. The 2 lanes on the right are closed.
— Mass Transit (@MassDOT) May 19, 2023
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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