Transport truck full of alcohol gets stuck under Fredericton overpass

An 18-wheeler got snagged under a downtown Fredericton overpass on Wednesday.

A transport truck remains stuck as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday under a downtown Fredericton overpass after it tried to navigate under the structure.

The overpass links to the city’s popular Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge.

A police spokesperson says they received the call at about 9:30 a.m., and that no injuries have been reported.

The driver remains on scene, along with the Fredericton police and fire officials and staff from the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Traffic has been interrupted, with the temporary closure of the Waterloo Row, King Street, Brunswick Street and University Avenue intersection.

The force confirms the truck was carrying non-hazardous materials. Alcoholic beverages were being unloaded from the truck and placed onto another truck throughout the morning.

“Initial assessments confirm there was no structural damage to the bridge or surrounding infrastructure,” said public information officer, Sonya Gilks.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety issued a $292.50 ticket under the Highway Act for “exceeding a height restriction.”

A truck jammed under the bridge is not an uncommon sight in Fredericton. Signs noting the clearance of 3.5 metres are posted ahead of the overpass and on the structure itself.

Rob Scullion lives in an apartment building next door to the overpass. He says the building shook when the truck struck the structure.

And it’s not the first time he’s felt it.

“I’ve probably seen this about 15 to 16 times at least,” he said.

He says he has tried to stop trucks from risking it.

“I do, I try to stop them all the time. I’m waving my arms to stop them and they thank me for it,” said Scullion.

One couple, who also lives next to the overpass, says this was the second time since they moved in April that they’ve seen a truck jammed under the bridge.

The walking bridge remains open for pedestrians, who have been stopping to peer over at the lodged vehicle.

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