Oversized Load in Hampton Causes Traffic Issues

On Sept. 15, at approximately 0811 hours, an oversized load being escorted by a certified escort vehicle and a New Hampshire State Police cruiser was traveling eastbound on Route 101 in the town of Hampton.

The oversized load, a 2009 Volvo Tractor trailer combination unit was carrying a concrete structure weighing approximately 90,000 lbs. for Carrera Precast Ready-Mix Concrete of Middlebury, VT. As the vehicle slowed between Exit 12 and the I-95 ramp the concrete structure dislodged and struck the rear cab of the tractor. The driver, Clarence Short, age 74, of Lincoln, VT was not injured as a result of this accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an equipment failure is the likely cause of this accident.

It will be necessary to close the right travel lane on Route 101 eastbound as crews work to remove the vehicle and transfer the structure to another tractor-trailer unit. This closure is expected to last for an extended period of time. Traffic was backed up for approximately 1 mile at the height of the morning commute.

Assisting the New Hampshire State Police-Troop A at the scene was the New Hampshire State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

This accident remains under investigation by TFC Michael Shupe. Anyone with information pertaining to this accident asked to contact Trooper Shupe, NH State Police- Troop A at 603-223-8490.

Submitted by the New Hampshire State Police.