Two Tractor Trailers Flip On Tydings Bridge In High Winds

After two tractor trailers overturned on the Tydings Bridge Friday morning, the bridge was closed due to high winds for approximately 15 hours. The vehicles flipped on the bridge, which connects Harford and Cecil counties over the Susquehanna River, before 11 a.m.

First, one tractor trailer tipped over on the northbound side of the bridge. While emergency personnel arrived at the scene, another tractor trailer turned on its side headed south.

The bridge was closed, and traffic was being detoured in the Havre de Grace and Perryville areas.

At 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, lanes reopened on northbound I-95; and at 3:17 a.m. the Tydings Bridge was flowing in both directions. It was only open to passenger vehicles. Tolls were waived until traffic cleared.

During the bridge closure, drivers on northbound I-95 had to take the exit for MD 155, while southbound I-95 was detoured at MD 222, the Maryland Transportation Authority advised.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Friday, the Bay Bridge was also closed due to excessive winds, officials said.

The region was under a high wind warning until 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. Gusts may reach 60 mph, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The Hatem and Tydings bridges had been under full wind restrictions as of 10:30 a.m., and officials said the Hatem Bridge remained under full wind restrictions after 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

Full wind restrictions take effect when winds greater than 50 mph have been reported. Only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridge. Tractor-box trailer combinations may not cross if the gross weight is less than 64,000 pounds.

Wind gusts were 21 mph on the Tydings and 50 mph on the Hatem Bridge around 11:20 a.m. on Friday, according to data from the Maryland Department of Transportation.

The Hatem Bridge also closed for several hours after a tree fell across it.

As of 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, both bridges are open. The Tydings Bridge is in full wind restrictions, meaning tractor trailers less than 64,000 pounds are prohibited; and the Hatem Bridge is under a wind warning, which stipulates drivers of motorcycles, flatbed trucks, autos with cargo racks and other vehicles subject to high winds should use caution.

SEE ALSO:

• Hatem Bridge Reopens After Tree Falls Across Road
• Weather Closes Roads In Harford County, Changes School Plans
• Schools Closing Early In Cecil County

Images via CHART.