Semi collides with Exit 95 bridge

A semi truck caused an estimated $10,000 in damage to the bridge at the Exit 95 overpass during a collision Tuesday morning.

According to an initial report from the Elmore County Sheriff's Department, Rafael Gonzales Jr. of Ohio was driving a semi hauling a 53-foot trailer westbound on the interstate when he hit the bridge around 4:45 a.m.

According to an initial report from the Idaho Transportation Department, the truck hit the guardrail on the left side of the highway at the Exit 95 interchange

with U.S. Highway 20 before it hit the bridge parapet. The truck then slid along the parapet and flipped onto its side before striking a section of guardrail on the eastbound side of the interstate.

The force of the collision also broke chunks of concrete off the bridge, said Deputy Marcus Stryker, who investigated the crash. Gonzales, who was cited for inattentive driving, admitted that he fell asleep at the wheel before the crash, the sheriff's deputy added.

Officials with the Idaho Department of Transportation started their inspection of the bridge Tuesday morning. However, traffic was allowed to continue over the bridge while the inspection continued.