A North Carolina truck driver received more 20 traffic tickets Wednesday, March 18, after an over-height excavator he was hauling hit 12 overpass bridges on the New York State Thruway.
Oleksander Tarakanovskyi, 38, was ticketed by New York State Police Wednesday afternoon after his over-height load struck overpasses between Exits 30 and 36 in the westbound lanes of the Thruway.
Officials say the 60-mile trail of bridge strikes caused minor to moderate damage. No injuries were reported. There were no reported traffic delays.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “Reckless and ignorant driver behavior has serious consequences. How a tractor-trailer driver could be unaware that his load hit more than a dozen bridges is beyond comprehension.
"We appreciate the support of our partners at State Police Troop T and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit in tracking down the vehicle and taking it off the road. Our team of inspectors has examined all of the impacted bridges and while all continue to be safe, we will proceed with repairs as needed. While bridge hits plague states across the nation, we are committed to holding irresponsible drivers accountable.”
Charged with reckless endangerment, Tarakanovskyi is due in court April 8.
New York State Police
