Palmetto shut down during rush hour

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (WSVN) -- Parts of the Palmetto Expressway were shutdown after a truck driver misjudged the height of his cargo.

Crews had to close all lanes on the expressway in Miami Gardens over Northwest 27th Avenue at the start of the evening commute, at around 5 p.m., Friday.

The closure became a complete nightmare for drivers as cars lined up for miles on the Palmetto. All lanes did not reopen until almost three hours later.

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez said, "Due to the damage, we determined it was better to close it and get it inspected by FDOT."

The truck driver, who works with Master Excavators Incorporated (MEI), was towing a back hoe when it struck the bottom of an overpass at Northwest 27th Avenue, chipping off some concrete on the overpass.

Officials said the driver was given a handful of tickets for the accident.

All lanes reopened after the Florida Department of Transportation determined there was no structural damage.

According to FDOT spokesperson Brian Rick, the bridge is structurally sound and there will be future repair on the overpass in the upcoming weeks.

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