Semi Crash Collapses NB May Ave. Bridge Onto Northwest Expressway

Thursday, May 19th 2016, 3:50 pm

By: News 9

Emergency crews were called to the scene of a bridge collapse at Northwest Expressway and N. May Ave., Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, a flatbed semi hauling heavy equipment was heading westbound on NW Expressway at the time of the crash. The equipment on the semi was apparently too tall for the bridge and tore down the northbound lanes of the N. May Ave. as it passed under. Oklahoma City Police tell News 9 that no one has been injured.

VIDEO: Driver on May bridge after collapse on NW Expressway. - via Teri Murphy @NEWS9 pic.twitter.com/VKiif4RNis — Justin Dougherty (@DoughertyNews9) May 19, 2016

A spokesperson for the OKC Fire Department tells News 9 they expect it to be a long cleanup and is not sure when the roads will be reopened. The spokesperson also said the bridge belonged to the city and not the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The driver of the semi told investigators he had already passed under the bridge heading eastbound and assumed he would be able to fit when he returned on the westbound side. There is a height difference of four inches from the eastbound lanes and westbound lanes; 14' 8" to 14' 4" respectively.

Engineers are evaluating the damage to the bridge, and an estimate on the time needed for repairs won’t be available until the evaluation is complete, a report states.

Officials tell News 9 that on Friday morning the west side of the bridge will be demolished by city crews. They will then determine if the southbound lanes of bridge structure is OK to allow for traffic. All lanes in the area of May Ave. and Northwest Expressway bridge will be closed until Friday.

Keep checking with News 9 and News9.com for more information.