Tractor-trailer tips over bridge in Durham, N.C. during winter storm

[Budi]

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Amid icy weather conditions Sunday afternoon, a tractor-trailer slid off an overpass and the trailer was propped up against the bridge for hours in Durham.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, officials said.

..Cab of the truck level on U.S. 15-501 with the end of the trailer still leaning vertically against the N.C. 147 bridge.
The front of the cab of the tractor-trailer had major damage after it smashed into the ground during the fall from the overpass.




https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/tractor-trailer-falls-from-durham-overpass-with-trailer-still-leaning-on-bridge/amp/

[RainCaster]

1. Ouch!

That conventional became a cab-over.

[Budi]

2. Sure did! Imagine the logistics of righting that thing.

Best wishes to the driver as he recovers. What a terrifying drop.

[2naSalit]

3. One of my worst nighmares...

When I used to drive those things was falling off a bridge or into a deep ravine.

[Budi]

4. My uncle drove the long haul from Billings Mt to Seattle Wa

I would 'overhear' him telling my dad about the icy mountain passes he maneuvered
The fear was always there in his voice & his eyes.

[2naSalit]

5. Oh hell yeah...

He was, no doubt, talking about Lookout and 4th of July passes in the Idaho Panhandle/Montana state line. I've had a few ice skating events up there myself, not a fun day. Then there's Pipestone/Homestake and Cabbage over in Pendleton then Snoqualmie. In the winter, it's a big deal going over any of them, you have to have respect for them and nature in general. I think I've been over all of them at least twice, even South Pass in Wyoming, one that can be deemed a "Mother of them all" kind of pass.

[Budi]

6. Yes, I recall his mentioning the Idaho pass in particular.

Treacherous & miraculous when you make it out the other side.

He talked about how he'd glance down from the icy highway he made his way along, and see nothing but a steep rocky endless side of the mountain below him.

That was back in the 60's/70's

[2naSalit]

8. I know exactly the spot he's talked about.

At the top of Lookout, heading West, right as you start down and rounding a curve - this is one of the hairiest parts when it's slippery - off to the right you can see all the way down to the canyon floor. There's a farm down there. Yup. Remember it well. It's even kind of scary in a car. And then, not there anymore, there used to be a stop sign at the bottom with downtown Wallace right there. Better not be having a runaway right then.

[Budi]

7. Does the Wyoming South pass go east/west thru the Tetons?

I've driven from Cooke City Mt to Cody Wy in the dark of night, over a backroad pass when it was still just a 2 lane.
I guess its now a freeway.
That was a remote road back then & not a place you'd want to have car trouble!

Can't even believe I did that shit. Guess when you're 19 & free to roam, its just an adventure.
😬

[2naSalit]

9. No, it's down past Lander.

You're probably talking Chief Joseph/Sunlight, it's still two lanes, closed in winter. The other big one in that area is Beartooth Pass, takes a couple hours to get over those.

[Budi]

10. Ok. Thanks. Yes Iv'e driven thru the Beartooth pass on my way thru Red Lodge to Cooke City

Either across BT pass or near it, anyway. It was a lot of yrs ago & haven't been back that way since.

[2naSalit]

11. Chief Joseph is the alternative to BT...

It's further to the south. If you were leaving Cooke City to go over BT, if you don't take that branch of the fork in the road, you'll be going over CJ instead. Only two ways out in that direction.

[Budi]

12. Only 2 ways out & I drove them both in that one summer.

Checked it off the bucket list. 1973
Oye. But ya know it was sure fun!

[2naSalit]

13. I was a late comer...

Had to wait until this century but I refused to go over either of them on anything but a motorcycle on the maiden run! Totally worth it!

There are a lot of notorious passes in these parts, I've been over most of the ones that are on dirt roads too, it's been one of my favorite things about living around here for so long. It takes years of summer days off to accomplish.

[Budi]

14. Oh heck yes! On a motorcycle over that high country.

Takes the free spirit to its own level & off the beaten path.

Bravo to your adventures!

[2naSalit]

15. Glad I...

Took lots of pictures 'cuz I sure can't do all that now! I still get around in my 4x4 though.