Semi Crashes Into Bridge Near Luther, 3rd Accident In A Month

A tractor trailer slammed into the same overpass on the Turner Turnpike Friday afternoon.  It was the third such accident in less than a month.

It happened in the Eastbound lanes near Luther.  The OHP reports no serious injuries.  

A spokesman for the Turnpike Authority says in all three cases, the truck involved was carrying an oversized load, and didn't have the proper permits to carry it. 

11/2/2012 Related Story: Turnpike Back Open Following Semi Wreck Near Luther Exit

Jack Damrill of the Turnpike Authority says there is nothing wrong with that bridge. He says the driver of the semi-truck that hit the bridge on Friday, as well as the other two drivers who struck the bridge with big rigs in the past month, all were not properly permitted to be driving the turnpike.

Damrill says the bridge is 14 feet, three inches tall. Authorities inspect the bridge and all bridges on a routine basis.

However, Damrill says this bridge is the shortest bridge along the Turner Turnpike.

Turnpike authorities say they will start closing the bridge at midnight Sunday night.

OHP says owners of trucks carrying oversized loads face stiff fines.