MSP Continues to Investigate Tractor Trailer Collision with Railroad Bridge in Stockton Springs

On Friday, August 9, 2024, at approximately 5:30 AM, a tractor trailer transporting a windmill blade to Columbia, Maine collided with the railroad bridge that crosses over Rt. 1 in Stockton Springs. The collision caused both the tractor and trailer hauling the blade to overturn shutting down Rt 1. The initial investigation indicates the driver of the tractor trailer did not position the vehicle far enough into the left lane to navigate the lower side of the train trestle resulting in the crash. The windmill blade, mounted on large brackets, struck the trestle, causing the truck, trailer, and blade to roll over. The Maine State Police, Stockton Springs Fire Department, Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Department of Environmental Protection are on scene. STX, the employer of the truck driver, and representatives from the railroad also responded to assess the situation. Fortunately, the bridge sustained only minor damage. Due to the length of the windmill blade, turning the vehicle around is not feasible. The only viable option is to load the blade onto another trailer and reverse it back to Searsport. This complex operation is currently being coordinated by the teams on site. At this point it appears the blade will be moved back to Searsport early tomorrow morning. In the meantime, Route 1 in the area will remain closed. Traffic on Route 1 is being re-routed from the bridge to 174A to 1A and back to Rt. 1.