Highway overpass damage forces closure

Oct 30, 2013 | 10:09 AM

The Highway 3/55 overpass at Hwy 2 has been closed after a collision early Wednesday morning.

According to a witness, at 12:30 a.m. a semi-truck carrying an over-height backhoe was travelling southbound on Hwy 2 when it struck the girders supporting the overpass.

In a release from the City of Prince Albert, “the collision has inflicted observable damage on the beams, and consequently no vehicles can be allowed to cross the structure until this damage is thoroughly assessed, and it can be verified that the overpass remains safe for traffic.”

The driver of the semi-truck that struck the girders did not stay at the scene of the accident and has not been identified.  Police said witnesses described the truck as a navy blue older model semi-tractor, which was operated by a female driver.

Anyone with details around incident is asked to contact the Prince Albert Police Service at 953-4222.

With the closure in place, several detours have been outlined for traffic, including specific detours for heavy trucks.

Detours

Northbound from Prince Albert to Hwy 3/55 Westbound (ie. Shellbrook) – LIGHT TRAFFIC ONLY

Take Riverside Drive Cloverleaf Exit, westbound on Riverside Drive, and turn northbound on Third Avenue NW. Follow the serpentine and turn onto Fifth Avenue NW; turn left onto Hwy 3.

Heavy Truck Traffic Northbound from Prince Albert to Hwy 3/55 Westbound

Travel over the Diefenbaker Bridge and take the Hwy 55 east off ramp, proceed eastbound on Hwy 55 a short distance, and take the next left, to follow the existing designated Truck Detour Route. Use Central Avenue NW, turn west onto 15th Street NW, turn south onto Hwy 2. Take the Highway 3/55 westbound access ramp.

Highway 55 Westbound, East of Highway 2, to Hwy 55 West of Highway 2

Turn at the signs and follow the existing designated Truck Detour Route. Use Central Avenue NW, turn west onto 15th Street NW, turn south onto Highway 2. Take the Highway 3/55 westbound access ramp.

Highway 55 Eastbound, West of Highway 2, to Hwy 55 East of Highway 2 – LIGHT TRAFFIC ONLY

At Nordale, turn south at Fifth Avenue NW. Turn left immediately onto Ninth Street NW; follow the serpentine until Third Avenue NW is reached, turn east onto Riverside Drive and proceed eastbound, underneath Diefenbaker Bridge.

Heavy Truck Traffic Eastbound from Hwy 55 West of Highway 2

Turn North on Whitfield Road, and proceed north 10 kilometres, until Whitestar Road is reached. Turn east on Whitestar Road, and travel east five km, cross Hwy 2 North and proceed another seven km (12 km in total), until the Pulp Haul Road is reached. Turn right (southeast) on Pulp Haul Road and proceed to Hwy 55 East.

sstone@panow.com

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