MassDOT: You bet we're going after the Alabama company whose driver took out one of our bridges

MassDOT reported this afternoon that it expects to have all southbound lanes on I-93 near Roosevelt Circle re-opened to traffic sometime tomorrow after completion of repairs to keep that storrowed overpass from collapsing until more permanent repairs can be made - a process the state says will take several months.

MassDOT also gave this explanation for what happened, and boy are they not happy with Dove Transportation, LLC, based just down the road apiece from the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, AL.

An over height vehicle owned by Dove Transportation LLC of Alabama struck the overpass on I-93 Southbound on the afternoon of Monday, July 19. The company was not permitted for the height of the shipment, did not use the required flag cars, and was traveling an unapproved route when it struck the overpass on I-93 southbound. Dove Transportation had secured permits for a smaller load with a different route. MassDOT is working closely with the Massachusetts state police to investigate the incident. MassDOT intends to hold the trucking company legally and financially responsible for damages and will be reviewing the company’s eligibility for obtaining permits in Massachusetts in the future.

State Police report the driver got a ticket for $210 for driving an overheight vehicle and violating a state permit.

The height of the truck with its load measured 14’9”; the truck was permitted for a maximum height of 14’. Additionally, the driver violated the permit for not having flag cars and for being off-route, as the permitted route of transport through Massachusetts was as follows: Interstate 84 at Connecticut state line to Route 20 to Interstate 395 to Interstate 290 to Interstate 495 to Route 3 to Interstate 95 to Route 1 to Route 99 with a permitted destination of Everett. Route 93 was not on the permitted route.

State Police added:

The truck was hauling a water clarifying tank, consistent with the type of tank used in wastewater treatment.
The metal tank being hauled came into contact with the first and second structural beams of the underside of the bridge; the first beam was split in two and the second was bowed from the impact. The tank and the trailer sustained significant damage. The tractor appeared to sustain minor damage. The cargo and damaged trailer pieces were towed from the scene by Stephens Towing.

The truck involved was a 2013 Peterbilt 367 with an Alabama registration, owned by Dove Transportation of Lincoln, Alabama. The truck was being operated by a 57-year-old Alabama man and carried a 54-year-old Alabama woman as a passenger. The passenger was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with possible minor injuries following the incident. The driver refused medical attention on scene.