Crystal Lake accident backs up traffic

A truck driver hauling a piece of train equipment weighing nearly 135,000 pounds took a wrong turn and ended up in Crystal Lake Wednesday afternoon, causing delays on Route 14.

The 117-foot long trailer was escorted by two vehicles and was headed for Route 173, but had to stop due to the permit regulations. Police said the permit was for a specific route to ensure bridges could handle the 135,200 pound load.

Police stopped the trailer, which was hauling a control unit for a high-speed train, near the intersection of Route 14 and 176, where it blocked traffic for about three hours, Crystal Lake Police Sgt. Dean Lisi said.

“When they issue those permits they need to chart out what type of infrastructure” is needed for the route, Lisi said.