Big rig collides with Gilman overpass, causing concrete to fall on Berkeley road
BERKELEY (CBS SF) – A big rig carrying an excavator near the Gilman overpass on I-80 hit the bridge, causing concrete to fall on the roadway and create surface traffic issues.
The incident was reported around 10:48 a.m. California Highway Patrol said I-80 remained open, but Gilman was closed in both directions. The big-rig driver fled the scene after the incident.
"Gilman is closed in both directions at the site of the crash and we estimate that it will remain closed at least until 5 p.m.," said a statement from Caltrans. "City of Berkeley police are directing traffic to the frontage road and other detour routes."
Caltrans said one lane of the freeway was closed while staff inspected the damage. Caltrans assured commuters that the freeway overpass remains safe.
The construction project at the interchange, which is being done in collaboration with the Alameda County Transportation Commission, was not damaged, according to Caltrans.
The search for the hit-and-run semi driver by authorities continues. The vehicle is described as a blue big rig carrying a yellow John Deere excavator on a flatbed. The excavator sustained damage to its roof