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Semi hits concrete pillar, closes Hwy. 1 westbound

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 09/12/2012 7:48 AM | Last Modified: 09/12/2012 9:56 AM | Updates

RCMP have laid charges against the driver of a semi-trailer who lost control and smashed into the Portage la Prairie overpass early this morning.

An investigation has revealed the female driver, who is from Labelle, Que., was driving westbound on the TransCanada Highway just after 2:30 a.m. when the accident occurred.

The semi ended up in the median under the bridge after the collision with a concrete pillar. The guard rail on the north side of the overpass as well as the concrete barrier between the east and west bound lanes sustained damage leaving large pieces of debris on the highway.

Traffic is being diverted through Portage pending an inspection of the bypass bridge by Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation.

The driver, who was not injured, has been charged with driving imprudently under the Highway Traffic Act.

The truck’s trailer was empty.