Commuters faced major disruptions this morning when a tractor-trailer slammed into the Bowker Overpass on Storrow Drive westbound in Boston, causing authorities to close the arterial roadway. The incident, which occurred just before the rush hour, complicated travel plans and triggered significant delays across the city's transportation network. Massachusetts Department of Transportation confirmed the bridge strike via X, stating that Storrow Drive westbound was shut down as emergency services responded to the scene.
Tractor trailer Bridge strike in #Boston on Storrow Dr WB at the Bowker overpass. Storrow WB closed.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) May 10, 2024
Images quickly surfaced on social media, showing the stricken vehicle lodged beneath the low-clearance bridge. The height limit, well-known to locals but often ignored by unfamiliar drivers, has routinely been the scene of similar accidents in the past. The MassDOT was forced to ask drivers to seek alternative routes as teams worked to safely remove the vehicle and assess the structural integrity of the overpass. Despite the immediate inconvenience, there were no immediate reports of injuries following the collision.
The full extent of the damage to the overpass is yet to be evaluated. Structural engineers from the MassDOT were dispatched to ensure that the bridge remained safe for the overhead traffic and to determine the necessary repairs.
Local authorities were urging drivers to remain patient and to avoid the area if possible. In a statement, they highlighted the need to critically respect height restrictions on city roadways to prevent such incidents from recurring.
