A tractor-trailer drove through an Interstate 20 guardrail and into the Augusta Canal Monday evening, Dec. 27. Traffic has been stopped or slowed for several hours.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said Interstate 20 eastbound lanes near the Georgia/South Carolina state line have been closed for approximately two hours.
Jill Nagel with the Georgia Department of Transportation said the lanes are closed while tow trucks pull the tractor-trailer out of the water.
An accident on the canal bridge happened about 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 27 and shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 20.
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- Dec. 27 accident site. Photo courtesy of Augusta Fire Department Facebook page.
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- Workers prepare to remove truck from canal. Staff photo by Anna Virella.
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- Staff photo taken by Anna Virella.
The Georgia State Patrol says preliminary investigation found the rig was approaching the South Carolina state line when it traveled off the road through the guardrail and struck the bridge. The tractor-trailer overturned into the Savannah River. Debris from the crash struck another vehicle.
Nagel said inspectors were on the scene Monday night and determined there was “no impact to the structural integrity of the bridge.”
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She added there was some minor damage to the handrail. The department’s maintenance construction contractor is repairing the handrail.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which request assistance from the state patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division, said the truck driver suffered minor injuries.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
