COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – All lanes of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 in Columbia County were back open Monday night after a large piece of machinery fell off a semitruck, busting several holes in the I-10 overpass to I-75, authorities said.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the semitruck was traveling west on I-10 about 2 p.m. Monday when the driver lost his 45,000-pound machinery load, which fell off the trailer and tumbled onto the overpass above I-75, causing major damage to the roadway and the overpass. Troopers said that happened after the driver of semitruck, 48-year-old Treaver Hinds, swerved to avoid someone who had cut him off.
Hinds told News4Jax that he was scared for his life.
“She was trying to get on I-10 and I guess she just wasn’t paying attention and she veered off into my lane and I had to swerve to keep from hitting her," he said. "I almost turned my truck over but I brought it to a stop."
At one point, both interstates were shutdown for several hours, backing up traffic for miles.
"It was ridiculous," said Yasmine Tucker, who was stuck in traffic.
Just before 9:30 p.m., the Florida Department of Transportation said all lanes of I-75 and I-10 were open.
"Once traffic has cleared, additional activities will take place later this evening on I-10 westbound, however, the road will remain open during this time," an FDOT spokesperson said.
Fortunately, Hinds was not injured.
"But my feelings were hurt," he said.
Hinds added that he hopes the accident will make drivers more aware of semitrucks on the road.
"We’re having to watch out for them more than they have to watch out for us," he said.
Editor's note: The Columbia County Sheriff's Office originally told News4Jax that a cement truck hit the overpass.
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