SARASOTA – Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that shut down southbound lanes of I-75 and both sides of Proctor Road for several hours when a crane being hauled on a trailer struck the Proctor Road overpass.
Drone footage sent to SNN by a viewer, Daniel Korzh, shows traffic delays southbound I-75 near mile marker 206 just as driver were making their way back home. Sarasota County Sheriff deputies blocked access to the interstate from Clark Road to Bee Ridge because of the crash.
The crash happened just after 4:30 p.m. and left a pile of concrete on the busy interstate. FHP State Trooper Kenn Watson tells me the overpass may have sustained heavy damage.
The crash sent ripple effects across the county causing other crashes due to the significant traffic delays in surrounding county roads including Cattleman, Bee Ridge, Clark and Fruitville Road.
Florida Department of Transportation officials are determining if the integrity of the overpass has been damaged. FHP is asking drivers to seek alternative routes, drive with caution, and have some patients when trying destination.
FHP is reporting no injuries, and at least one southbound lane of I-75 has been reopened. Proctor road is now open, but the shoulder will remain closed until repairs to the bridge are completed.