Driver Identified In Rogers County Turnpike Bridge Damage; Repairs Set To Begin In December

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) has identified the semi-truck driver responsible for damaging two turnpike overpasses in Rogers County.

Investigators say the driver, hauling an oversized load without proper permits, hit the 540 Road bridge and later struck the 550 Road bridge, both over I-44.

According to Lt. Mark Southall of OHP, the driver admitted to hitting the bridges and knowingly leaving the scene.

"He admitted he had hit the bridge, knew he hit the bridge, and decided he wanted to leave anyway," Southall said.

The impacts damaged the beams supporting the bridges.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority assessed the structures and determined they are repairable, however, the affected county roads near Verdigris, where the bridges are located, will remain closed until the repairs are completed.

The damaged bridges, located two miles apart, are both over the southbound lanes of I-44. The 540 Road bridge has a clearance of 15 feet, suitable for most semis. Oversized loads exceeding 13 feet 6 inches require permits specifying approved routes, which were not followed in this case.

"That gives them very specific roads and bridges they’re supposed to go under," Southall explained. "That wasn’t done in this case, and if it had been, he wouldn’t have hit those bridges."

The investigation began with a report and dashcam footage provided by another driver, who noticed the damage the morning after the crashes.

The footage helped troopers track down the driver, who was already in Utah by the time he was identified.

The Turnpike Authority plans to start repairs in mid-December but has not yet provided a cost estimate. However, the trucking company will be billed for the damages.

OHP is turning its investigation over to the Rogers County District Attorney for potential charges, including misdemeanor leaving the scene of a crash and multiple traffic violations.

Travelers in the area are encouraged to use caution and follow posted detours as repairs are underway.