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I-5 north back open following deadly semi crash, future closures likely to replace signs


Crews work to remove a damaged sign bridge along Interstate 5 near Tigard on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 after the driver of a Target tractor trailer crashed into it. The driver was killed. (KATU Photo)
Crews work to remove a damaged sign bridge along Interstate 5 near Tigard on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 after the driver of a Target tractor trailer crashed into it. The driver was killed. (KATU Photo)
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TIGARD, Ore. – All lanes of Interstate 5 northbound were back open in Tigard Thursday afternoon following a deadly crash that closed the freeway overnight and through the morning commute.

Initial reports state that around 9 p.m. Wednesday, a semi-truck driver crashed into a sign structure on the right side of the highway near exit 294, the Southwest Barbur Boulevard exit, and burst into flames.

The driver was pronounced dead after the crash.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials said the crash was where the northbound truck lane merges back into I-5. They used a crane to move the semi-truck and trailer, as well as pieces of the damaged sign bridge that stands over the freeway.

ODOT said the operation required some special equipment, including bringing in large cranes.

"When we bring in these cranes, it requires a lot of work," said spokesman Don Hamilton. "First of all, it has to come into the scene, and usually they come from a long ways away, but in addition to that, this crane takes about an hour to step up."

He said the crash was complicated because of that damaged sign bridge. Crews had to separate the bridge into three large pieces to remove it.

After the sign bridge was removed, it was a delicate operation to get the empty trailer -- that had Target store logos on it -- off the destroyed cab. It took about 10 minutes for the crane to lift and move the trailer to someplace where it could be towed. It was empty at the time of the crash.

A time lapse of crews removing the trailer off the destroyed cab Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. (KATU Video)

ODOT inspectors said there was no further damage to I-5.

Hamilton said crews don't have a time frame yet for when the sign bridge will be replaced, but he said when it happens, there will likely be closures during the night.

Investigators haven't yet released why the crash happened. The identity of the driver hasn't been released.

In a statement, Target said the driver worked for one of the company's third-party transportation providers.

"Our thoughts go out to the driver's family, colleagues and friends after this tragic accident," the company said.

It added it is working with the transportation provider, Portland police and ODOT during the investigation.


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