Truck crash brings Mitchell Freeway to a standstill

Hannah Barry

Published: June 13 2017 - 4:47PM

Main Roads WA has confirmed the truck driver responsible for Tuesday morning's crash on the Mitchell Freeway will be forced to pay for all costs relating to the incident, including Hay Street bridge overpass repairs and the debris clean-up.

The truck and its heavy load collided with the bridge at around 9.45am, and brought the freeway to a standstill all the way up to Hutton Street due to concrete debris littering the road.

The freeway was reduced to one lane while Main Roads' bridge inspectors and maintenance crews cleared the debris and assessed the safety of the bridge, and a Main Roads WA spokesperson said the truck driver would be responsible for all costs associated with the accident.

"In the case of today's incident, Main Roads will seek to recover from the truck operator all costs associated with the bridge repairs and the emergency response and clean-up," they said.

Temporary repairs have been made to ensure the safety of the bridge, and crews are set to undertake nightworks to carry out permanent repairs at a later date.

Main Roads WA also reminded drivers of the maximum height allowed under the Hay Street bridge of 4.3 metres.

"Any vehicle over 4.3 metres high is classified as a Restricted Access Vehicle and must operate in accordance with the relevant class of notice or permit issued by Main Roads," they said.

All traffic lanes were reopened just after 2pm.

This story was found at: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/truck-crash-brings-mitchell-freeway-to-a-standstill-20170613-gwpzis.html