Skidder strikes railroad bridge over M-35

GLADSTONE — A semi hauling a skidder struck an overpass in Gladstone Monday evening.

Officers from Gladstone Public Safety say they responded to the incident at the M-35 railroad viaduct shortly before 5:00 p.m. A semi pulling a lowboy trailer loaded with a skidder hit the viaduct bridge. Investigation showed that the skidder boom was above the posted height of the bridge, which was 13 foot 6 inches.

The skidder was pulled off the trailer by the impact. Police say the bridge showed signs of impact and damage.

The skidder was reloaded and hauled away. The 52-year-old driver from Wilson was cited for having an over-height load.

CN Railroad bridge inspectors responded to inspect the damage. The Delta County Road Commission were also at the scene, and Michigan State Police troopers assisted with traffic control.