Truck Strikes Trestle Bridge In Center Moriches

CENTER MORICHES, NY — An 18-wheeler hit the train trestle bridge in Center Moriches Tuesday morning — and according to residents, it's not the first time.

An 18-wheeler truck was traveling westbound on Main Street at Wilcox Road when it struck the bridge at approximately 9 a.m., Suffolk County Police said.

The driver was not injured and was issued a ticket for exceeding bridge capacity or clearance, police said.

Frustrated neighbors took to social media Tuesday, saying that despite signage, they've seen the same type of crash numerous times over the years.

Resident Richard Harkin said the problem isn't the bridge. "There is a problem with drivers being distracted by their phones. The bridge is adequately marked in both directions, with plenty of warning of the low clearance bridge leading up to it along with proper signage directing truck traffic for detour. As a professional myself there is no excuse for hitting this bridge other then driver error," he said.

For example, Harkin said, seeing that some took videos while driving up to the bridge, endangering themselves and others, makes him angry. "That is so irresponsible," he said. The videos, he added, prove that distracting driving is a critical concern.

Photo by Richard Harkin.