Man who hit a Saskatoon overpass with a semi fined over $11,000

Saskatchewan law enforcement is responding to a sudden rise in semis flouting height restrictions as the City of Saskatoon looks to recoup repair costs.

The man responsible for one of a series of overpass strikes involving semi-trailers has been fined $11,200.

The City of Saskatoon says the man was fined for damaging the Circle Drive overpass at Highways 11 and 16.

The incident happened March 5 at the interchange of Highways 11 and 16, where a flatbed trailer carrying a large-tracked excavator hit the cloverleaf overpass.

The impact sheared off the top of the excavator and caused significant damage to the structure.

“In Bylaw Court Wednesday, June 24, the truck driver pleaded guilty to damaging City infrastructure under The Traffic Bylaw. The Court accepted a joint submission from the City Bylaw Prosecutor and the driver in which the driver would pay a fine of $8,000 plus a victim surcharge of $3,200," the city said Thursday.

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Under the bylaw, the maximum fine for an individual is $10,000. The driver has been given 18 months to pay the total.

According to the city, a charge against Regina-based Bowline Logistics, which owns the vehicle, has been adjourned until July 8.

The City of Saskatoon has also filed a claim with the company’s insurer to recover repair costs and is awaiting a response.

This was the first in a series of incidents in Saskatoon.

On March 11, a semi moving northbound on Circle Drive and hauling oversized equipment struck the overpass at 108th Street and caused significant damage to multiple girders.

On March 22, a large vehicle hit a train bridge overpass between 108th Street and Attridge Drive. On the same day, a semi hauling heavy equipment struck the McKercher Drive overpass.

The City of Saskatoon estimates it will cost at least $900,000 to repair four damaged overpasses and one bridge.