The truck driver whose flatbed semi struck the Pleasant Valley Road overpass across I-96 last week has been cited for careless driving.

State Police at the Brighton Post say the driver, whom they did not identify, was also charged with operating an over-height vehicle. Speed, alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors. The 30-year-old Waterford man worked for MacAllister Machinery Rentals in Wixom. Video of the September 27th accident shows the flatbed approaching the overpass while hauling a boom lift, which crashed into the freeway sign affixed to the bridge, ripping it down, and then proceeding to damage several of the structural support beams. The accident forced the shutdown of eastbound I-96 while crews demolished that half of the overpass after engineers determined it was unsafe.

While the freeway fully reopened within 36 hours, Pleasant Valley Road over the freeway is expected to remain closed for approximately six months until it is rebuilt. MDOT spokeswoman Kari Arend previously told WHMI that the trucking company’s insurance company would pick up the cost for the demolition and rebuild of the overpass, which could total about half a million dollars. (JK)