A bridge on Interstate 80 in Adair County sustained extensive damage early this (Monday) morning, when it was hit by the box section of a dump truck.

Photo Courtesy Bob Younie, State Maintenance Engineer (Iowa Dept. of Transportation)

I-80 westbound bridge underpass from Antique Country Drive (Exit 83/Adair County Road N-77) Ric Hanson photo.

I-80 westbound bridge underpass from Antique Country Drive (Exit 83/Adair County Road N-77) Ric Hanson photo.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, 62-year old Duane Nelson, of Casey, forgot to lower the box on a 1991 Mack dump truck registered to Schildberg Construction, in Greenfield. As the vehicle was traveling southbound on Antique Country Drive, south of Casey, the truck box hit the westbound I-80 bridge support beam. The impact tore the box section off of the truck, but it became wedged against the support beam at the point of impact.

The accident happened at around 5:40-a.m. The Patrol cited Nelson for driving a vehicle with excessive height. No injuries were reported. A DOT crewman on the scene told KJAN News traffic was rerouted off of I-80 westbound for about two-hours until the bridge could be inspected. Crews have put a protective “bib” or tarp in-place to prevent debris from falling on motorists traveling beneath the bridge until the beam can be repaired or replaced.