Dislodged Boom Strikes Overpass, Snarling Traffic On I-695 Outer Loop
CARNEY, Md. (WJZ)—A boom dislodged from a tractor trailer struck an overpass, closing multiple lanes for hours on the outer loop of eastbound I-695 during Friday rush hour.
At about 3:30 p.m., Maryland State Police at the Golden Ring Barrack were called to the outer loop of I-695 at Old Harford Road for a crash. When troopers arrived, the boom was in the roadway. All lanes of the outer loop was then shut down. Because of visible damage to the Old Harford Road Bridge, it also closed briefly.
Baltimore County Police have since reopened the Old Harford Road overpass. State Police have reopened the fast lane on the outer loop of I-695, but traffic remains heavy through the area. It is unknown how long the remaining lanes of I-695 will be closed, but it will likely be several more hours.
Preliminary investigation indicates the boom of the excavator struck the bridge of the Old Harford Road overpass as the tractor trailer traveled on the outer loop of I-695, causing it to dislodge from the trailer.
No one was injured in the crash. At this time, it appears the excavator did not strike any other vehicles as it fell from the trailer to the roadway.
Inspectors responded to the scene and continue to examine the overpass.
Maryland Department of the Environment personnel also responded to the scene, due to the potential leakage of hydraulic fluid from the excavator. State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division troopers have also responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation.
Charges are pending. A permit had been issued for the load and indicated the maximum height for the load was to be 13'6", which is below the height of the overpass. The permit did not require an escort for the load as it was moved.
The driver of the tractor trailer hauling the excavator has been identified as 55-year-old Kevin D. McCormick, of Hot Springs, Ark. He was not injured in the crash.
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