Transport truck load hits Indian Rd. overpass. November 23, 2015. Submitted photo courtesy of Connie Hart.Transport truck load hits Indian Rd. overpass. November 23, 2015. Submitted photo courtesy of Connie Hart.
London

Damaged Overpass Being Prepared For Reconstruction

Officials now say the eastbound Hwy. 402 in Sarnia could reopen by Thursday at the earliest and Saturday at the latest, as the damaged Indian Rd. overpass is prepared for restructuring.

Lambton OPP say stakeholders met Tuesday to discuss the closure of the eastbound lanes between Front St. and Indian Rd.

Monday at noon a transport truck's load on a flatbed trailer hit the underside of the overpass causing substantial damage.

OPP say the overpass is being prepared for reconstruction and the resumption of through traffic on the eastbound 402.

In the meantime, the existing Emergency Detour Route will remain in place and Indian Rd. from Exmouth St. to Rosedale Ave. remains closed.

Eastbound 402 traffic is being detoured at Front St. to Exmouth St. and back to Indian Rd. where the eastbound 402 on-ramp can still be accessed.

The transportation ministry's preliminary repair strategy indicates that partial demolition of the Indian Rd. overpass is required, including removal of three damaged concrete girders and the road deck above the damaged girders. Once the bridge deck is partially removed, it is expected that Indian Rd. can be reopened to northbound traffic at Exmouth St.

The southbound lanes of the Indian Rd. overpass will be closed until the necessary repairs are completed in the spring.

Police say the driver of the transport truck, from Ontario, was not injured in the crash.

The driver’s name is being withheld pending the conclusion of the investigation and the possible laying of charges.

 

(With files from Josh Boyce)

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