Tractor-trailer crashes into bridge, shuts down I-81 in downtown Syracuse

Syracuse crash

A tractor-trailer crash has closed Interstate 81 in Syracuse on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.State traffic cam

Update 9:55 a.m.: Interstate 81 North under Interstate 690 West has been cleared and reopened.

Original post:

Syracuse, N.Y – A crash involving a tractor-trailer has shut down Interstate 81 North this morning.

The tractor-trailer going north on I-81 crashed into the West Street bridge, police said in a news release Wednesday.

The crash was reported at 5:42 a.m.

The driver was not injured, but was issued a ticket for an oversized load, police said. The truck, owned by Red Trucking of Sevierville, Tennessee, was hauling construction equipment to Watertown.

A white truck trailer can be seen blocking I-81 northbound lanes. The crash has caused a serious traffic backup on the highway.

It is unknown exactly how long I-81 will be closed. The state’s initial alert on the road closing said the highway could be closed for up to four hours. The state has also closed a couple ramps in the area.

Initially, callers to 911 and police on the scene told dispatchers that the trailer had fallen from Interstate 690 onto I-81. Those reports were not accurate.

A tractor-trailer rollover from 690 w onto I-81 north stopped early morning traffic, Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

A tractor-trailer crash on I-81 north stopped early morning traffic on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Dennis Nett | Dnett@syracuse.com

Syracuse crash

A tractor trailer (left) that crashed this morning can be seen blocking Interstate 81 not far from Columbus Bakery on Pearl Street in Syracuse.Anne Hayes | ahayes@syracuse.com

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.