Truck strikes overpass on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police say this truck struck the Shanley Road/County Road 22 overpass along Highway 401 near Cardinal, Ont. Wednesday afternoon. (OPP/X)

A truck driver is facing a charge under the Highway Traffic Act after their vehicle struck an overpass on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police shared an image on social media of the roof peeled off the top of a truck after it struck the Shanley Road/County Road 22 overpass on Highway 401 near Cardinal Wednesday afternoon.

“Fortunately, only the roof corners caught the bridge, leaving only marks and no significant damage,” the OPP said on X.

“But this could have been much worse.”

The driver was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for having an “over-height vehicle.”

“Reminder to Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators and drivers - always double check the dimensions of the load you are hauling,” the OPP said.

“Both drivers and operators can be held responsible for several offences relating to CMVs. While the driver is responsible for how and when the vehicle is driven, the operator is still responsible for permitting the driver and vehicle to be on the road, and ensuring proper licencing and inspections are completed.”