DENNIS – A major scene had closed Route 6 westbound in Dennis indefinitely. According to reports, shortly after 6 PM, a crane on a flatbed truck struck the Old Bass River Bridge Road overpass. The impact dislodged a large amount of concrete, some which smashed through the roof of a vehicle behind the truck. A woman in that vehicle had to be extricated and was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. Route 6 westbound was completely closed down as well as Old Bass River Road until an engineer could check the structural integrity of the bridge.
Cape Wide News received several reports the driver of the truck was led away in handcuffs. We are working to confirm any charged with State Police.
Top photo by Shane Hector/CWN, side photo by Charlie Hannon/CWN (used with permission)
Statement from MassDOT: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing the Old Bass River Road Bridge in Dennis above Route 6 has been damaged in a traffic incident and is being closed.
A preliminary evaluation has found that two of the bridge beams have been severed, and there may be additional damage. MassDOT bridge inspection crews are on site to evaluate the bridge structure. Engineers will need to assess the repairs which will be necessary.
At this time, MassDOT has no time estimate for when the Old Bass River Road Bridge may reopen for travel.
Tonight, at approximately 6 p.m., a truck carrying an item and traveling on Route 6 westbound struck the bridge above Route 6 travel lanes.
(The photograph above was taken tonight looking westbound on Route 6 at the underside of the Old Bass River Road Bridge and shows two bridge beams which have been damaged.)
Update 6 AM: Both lanes of Route 6 westbound are open to traffic. However, the Old Bass River Road overpass is closed until further notice. There are barriers in place to prevent vehicles from driving on the overpass. There is currently a barricade at Bob Crowell Road and Old Bass River Rpad. This is intended to push traffic to Route 134 onto Bob Crowell Road to prevent cars from having to turn around on Old Bass River Road at the overpass.
Should anyone need to access the Dennis Water District offices or a residence in the blocked off area, use Lief Ericson Drive and Vinland Drive for local access only.
Traffic on the southern approach to Old Bass River Road can get all the way up to Olde Dennis Approach before the road is blocked off. There is no local traffic access required at this barricade.
Lower photos by Jane Sheehy Emplit/CWN
#Dennis Rt 6W Exit 9A Bass River Bridge closed after crane towed by TT strikes bridge. Debris struck passing vehicle. 1 person transported to area hospital. #MAtraffic diverted to Rt 134. Updates to follow
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 7, 2019
