Crash Shuts Down I-73/74 Northbound; Salisbury Street Overpass Remains Closed

ASHEBORO — Interstate 73/74 northbound in Asheboro was shut down Tuesday after a tractor-trailer struck two overpasses and overturned, blocking all lanes of the interstate for several hours.

The crash occurred shortly after 8 a.m. According to officials on scene, the truck struck the bridges over Sunset Avenue and Salisbury Street on the northbound side of the interstate before overturning. Traffic backed up on the interstate for several hours, even after police set up a detour that diverted traffic north up the Sunset Dr. exit ramp (Exit 74) and back down the Salisbury St. on ramp to I-73/74 (U.S. 220).

The driver, identified as 48-year-old Dominic Ford, was transported to a local medical facility and later released. He was charged with an overheight vehicle violation. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s Motor Carrier Enforcement unit also responded and is conducting an investigation. As of the time of this article, the agency had not responded to requests for further information on whether additional charges may be filed.
 

By the late afternoon, all lanes of the interstate and the Sunset Avenue overpass had reopened. However, the Salisbury Street overpass remains closed due to the damage. According to the Asheboro Police Department, the bridge will stay closed until the North Carolina Department of Transportation determines it is safe to reopen.

No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were reported.