Northwest Highway reopens after S-curve crash in Des Plaines
Northwest Highway reopened at the S-curve in Des Plaines at about 11:22 a.m. Friday after a car carrier struck the railroad overpass just after 8 a.m., police said.
The trailer, loaded with new cars, was headed westbound on Northwest Highway when it struck the bridge. The impact dragged one car over two others on the trailer, damaging the trailer, and lodging parts of one vehicle in the superstructure of the overpass, according to Police Chief Bill Kushner.
Traffic on Northwest Highway in both directions was shut down for more than three hours before the scene was completely cleaned up.
Rail traffic resumed earlier after bridge inspectors from Union Pacific and Canadian National declared the structure safe.
The car at the top of the vehicle carrier, a 2016 maroon Honda Accord, was left mangled.
No injuries have been reported.
The driver was cited for operating an over-height vehicle. The Northwest Highway overpass is 13 feet 10 inches.