Discussions

It was only a matter of time before this one got hit again.  
 
http://www.starfm.ca/news/news-details/newsarticle/portage-overpass-bridge-hit-by-passing-semi/  
 
After the last time, MIT only put up barricades on the overpass to "patch" the damage. They did not fix the bridge, nor did they put up over height lights. What a joke.

Maybe they’ll actually have to fix it now instead of leaving it there with a huge hole in it!

With all the money the NDP have spent on health care and unionized positions maybe our current government can provide some funding to actually have that bridge fixed properly.

What they need to do is put up a sign saying the height of the overpass, and when they replace the bridge, which will probably not be for a very long time, raise the overpass.

Was the ones that hit it should be paying for it through there pocket or insurance they wrecked it

What a disgrace to our Government!  
That Overpass Bridge has been a eyesore for how many years now???

What was the semi hauling? A closed in load (as a container) or an open load? I suppose either way the semi driver or company he (she) worked for should be responsible for the damage.

I thought the last time this bridge was hit a study was done saying the bridge was at end of life stage and the government chose to plan to build a new bridge instead of fixing the damage.

This comes down to people either bootlegging oversized loads across  
 
 
or A: Not measuring their loads properly, B: Not following their permitted route. Or C. Blatant lack of attention  
 
Accidents do happen yes, but the height of that bridge hasn’t changed.

I can't find this story on CBC or CTV to find a picture, so I don't know what kind of load this truck had.  
 
That is a 16' underpass. I don't know if that is just over the two lanes or i:ncludes the one shoulder as well. Max legal height without a permit is 13'6" and when you buy an over-height permit your route has to be approved.  
 
The only way that bridge gets hit is either the driver potentially being on the shoulder going under the bridge, or by multiple people really dropping the ball on planning an over-height load.

Other than the original twitter post from Q-Country News on Friday and their brief story, I have also been having difficulty finding any other info on this crash until today. PortageOnline.com now reports yesterday that a semi struck an overpass, and that a piece of the overpass fell on another vehicle with no injuries, but that's all they say. No mention of which overpass and if it's the same one from 6 years ago. So could be hitting the side and not the bridge or something else.  
 
Q's story is from an eye-witness and mentions that it's the same one as last time. I find it odd that PortageOnline would fail to mention that if it's the case.  
 
As usual, nothing from the Winnipeg media that are supposed to cover the "entire" province.

Yes, the overpass that was hit recently was the same one as before that is down to one lane. As of 6 p.m. yesterday you could not use the overpass, but traffic was able to go under it on the TC heading west. This will be an inconvenience now going into Plap from the west. One will either have to turn left shortly after crossing the diversion bridge and take the north service road in, or turn right and take the longer south service road in, or continue around the perimeter and take the Yellowquill trail in, which goes past a school, so remember there is a 30 kph zone there.  
 
I couldn't tell from the distance I was at in the morning or evening what happened. Did see a semi with a large hi-hoe being loaded when I came home last night.

It was a semi hauling a large grain bin on a flat bed. It hit the part of the overpass that was already cut out.

Link below has the release just put out by the province.  
All traffic is being directed to use PR240, but that "one lane of traffic entering Portage la Prairie will be allowed back on the PTH 1A overpass within 48 hours."  
 
http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=42579

picture and story:  
 
http://www.qcountryfm.ca/news-weather/news-sports-details/newsarticle/overpass-west-of-portage-closed/

When companies are hauling grain bins they are supposed to have a permit which outlines their route. I hope the government pursues the owner of the semi-trailer for damages. This is totally unacceptable and time people are held responsible for their actions.

SensibleFarmer said "When companies are hauling grain bins they are supposed to have a permit which outlines their route. I hope the government pursues the owner of the semi-trailer for damages. This is totally unacceptable and time people are held responsible for their actions. "

In response to your comment. Yes, Oversized loads including bins are regulated and have permits which define the route they are too take.  
Although the route is almost always acceptable. There have been times when the load ends up in a critical incident such as this one. Now whether its a mistake in the permit office, or trickles down to someone not measuring a load properly, Well who knows. Fact is no system is ever perfect.  
 
I myself have been on a load where our permitted route was not at all safe for the load. We stopped, did a route survey of our own, and managed to get the load around all obstacles. It happens. More then people realize.  
In Canada the Onus is on the driver to ensure the load is going to clear any obstacles. Whether they be overpasses, or electric lines ect.

Allie Cat said "Our Premier might now do something about it? He does have family living in Portage afterall. It is a total disgrace to our province. Been over it many, many times. I just shake my head because there is no excuse to such poor maintenance! "

I agree totally with Allie Cat.

That bridge has been hit a few times now, in fact there is a part of the bridge that was removed after the last major collision damaged that piece of concrete. It was probably a good choice at the time to just reduce the width of the bridge, but perhaps it is time to dismantle the existing bridge and raise the whole thing a few more feet.  
 
There is an existing gravel road beside that exit that goes under the main highway up by the railroad tracks that could be used as a detour during construction.

bdn438 said "Is this or when will this section of the highway be open again? Travelling to Winnipeg on Friday. "

The TCH in both directions is open, the road/overpass leading into Portage from the west is closed, but according to news, should be opened soon. Travelling to Winnipeg will be as usual unless you want to go thru Portage itself.