By Pepper Fisher

JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Hood Canal Bridge was the scene of every traveler’s nightmare Friday evening when a jack-knifed Coca Cola truck closed the bridge in both directions for 7 hours. The bridge deck was finally cleared and reopened to traffic at about 10:30 p.m.

Trooper Katherine Weatherwax said no injuries were reported, the semi was the only vehicle involved and the accident was caused by strong wind. As you can imagine, the seven-hour closure led to miles and miles of backups.

WSDOT spokesman Mark Krulish said the truck destroyed a section of a barrier along the roadway and did some damage to the bridge deck. As a result, travelers are encouraged to plan for daytime congestion approaching the Hood Canal Bridge tomorrow. A road crew will reduce the span to one alternating lane of traffic as they remove and replace that section of barrier wall.

The work is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, and drivers can expect delays in each direction.

(WSDOT photo)