Washington Crossing Bridge reopened after truck speeds across it leaving damage in its wake

The Washington Crossing Bridge, which links Hopewell Township to Upper Makefield, PA, reopened to traffic 3:25 pm Saturday, ending a four-hour emergency shutdown, according to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

Upper Makefield Police reported that a motorist, driving a pick up truck, sped across the bridge late Saturday morning, striking the bridge’s steel truss and then three other vehicles. The motorist then struck another vehicle that was stopped on Rt. 532 on the PA side, waiting to cross the bridge. This impact caused both vehicles to go off the roadway. At least one person was taken to the hospital.

Upper Makefield police officers arriving on the scene met the truck driver, who, they said, was combative and had to be subdued with a taser. The driver was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State police.

The bridge was reopened after engineers from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission assessed the extent of bridge damage Saturday afternoon and determined the structure was safe for vehicular travel.