WSDOT: Astoria-Megler Bridge back open
ASTORIA, Ore. - High winds caused a semi to overturn on the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Oregon and Washington on Monday morning, forcing the closure of the bridge. It wasn't until just before 7 p.m. crews were able to get all lanes reopened, according to WSDOT.
A wind gauge in nearby Megler reported a gust of 101 mph during the height of the storm.
Police said the driver, 50-year-old Rodney L. Woodzell of Dayton, Ohio, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
According officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation, two crews tried to go onto the bridge during the day to remove the semi but were met with unsafe conditions and had to wait until the storm passed.
The crash came as a strong weather system brought rain and high winds to the region.
They just said on broadcast that the trailer was empty. No wonder when hit broadside with the wind it was knocked over.
I don't mind driving over the bridge, I know several people who will only go across as a passenger with their eyes closed. Me? I have little fear, except for clowns with white shirts and halos.
 @pdxd I'm a bit of a control freak, so if I cross it, I have to be driving. With my eyes closed, of course.
 @pdxd Me eyes closed and holding on for dear life!!!
Â
Another reason this bridge freaks me out!!!
 @leapfrogger I love that bridge...it's like a roller coaster!
 @leapfrogger I won't drive that bridge. I have to take medication to go across it.
Oh. I thought they meant a "partial" crash.
I was thinking, "How in the heck can you have a 'partial' crash?"
D'oh! :-P
"It's unclear what caused the crash." Um, could it be the huge gusts of wind that are raking that area, and the dubious decision to drive a semi into the face of it? Also, lol @ 'drivers should use an alternative route'.
 @Hannah Lee I think he was using an alternative route to the bathroom!
Stay safe out there dear folks!
There is a lot of sail area on that trailer. I wonder if it was cubed out, or empty?
Either way on that bridge I'd have some messy shorts after that!
Â
 @cantcurestupid LOL!
(And after all that work to make sure you had a clean pair to begin with!)
So did the wind blow it over or driver issue?
OUCH!