Another Semi Truck Overturns On Poplar Street Bridge On-Ramp
A fourth tractor-trailer in the last 3 weeks has overturned on the same stretch of road near downtown St. Louis.
The most recent truck crash happened night shortly after midnight on the ramp from Poplar Street Bridge onto southbound I-55.
In March, KMOV News 4 began to press the Missouri Department of Transportation officials about the stretch of road that has been the site of many truck accidents. The ramp features a sharp curve that is causing tractor trailers to overturn.
Plans To Increase Safety Of On-Ramp
Officials told News sources that they would be adding two new warning signs that reduce the speed limit in the area to just 20 miles per hour.
“If you remember, that used to be a single lane ramp with a pretty sharp radius,” said MoDOT District Engineer, Greg Horn in an interview with KMOV. Horn went on to explain that they did in fact replace the lane ramp to feature two lanes. “It’s a bigger sweeping curve,” said Horn, “but there’s still a curve in there.”
News 4’s Anthony Kiekow drove to the scene of the latest incident and confirmed that the new signs were posted.
Fortunately, no one has been killed while trying to navigate this sharp turn, but the number of accidents in such a short time span is alarming.
Tips For Missouri Drivers
Drivers, please pay attention to the unique dangers within your own city. While you would likely not be at fault for an accident caused by a tractor-trailer on this ramp, the best-case-scenario is that you are not in a crash in the first place.
When you’re directly behind an 18-wheeler, try to stay back at least 100 feet or more. You want to be able to see a semi-truck’s mirrors at all times, and give yourself plenty of stopping distance.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident involving a tractor-trailer, it’s important to contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney right away. Trucking insurance companies will have adjusters out to the scene immediately, and you will want a lawyer who can advocate for you. Call us at 314.444.4444 today for a free, confidential consultation.
