Railroad Trestle Wrecked By Dump Truck On Helvetia Road, Police Say

HELVETIA, OR — A railroad bridge crossing was rendered impassable Monday after a dump truck driver failed to lower the truck's bed, causing it to collide with the 10-foot high railroad trestle, Washington County Sheriff's officials said, noting that Northwest Helvetia Road — just north of Northwest Phillips Road — and the railway are closed until further notice.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m. July 17, a V&K Construction-operated 2000 Mack dump truck reportedly caused significant damage to the trestle when its driver attempted to pass under it while the truck's dump bed was still raised. The driver sustained minor injuries, officials said. He was cited for violating posted use limits, careless driving, and for not wearing a seatbelt, officials said.

Northwest Helvetia Road is now closed from Northwest Grossen Drive to Northwest Dierdorff Road, and the Portland & Western Railroad-operated rail line is out of service until further notice, officials said.