A commercial truck struck an overpass in Midland, Texas, after carrying a forklift that exceeded the bridge’s height clearance, causing major closures on Interstate 20 and Loop 250.
The collision happened at about 9.50am on Tuesday, October 6, in the 5400 block of the eastbound West I-20 lanes, according to Midland Police Department.
Police said 47-year-old Kurtis Bandy was driving a 2025 Kenworth T880 with a trailer carrying the forklift in the outside lane when the load hit the overpass. The impact caused substantial damage to the bridge structure.
Bandy was issued a bridge-strike charge for an over-height violation, as well as several US Department of Transportation violations. Officers said he was charged at the scene but was not arrested.
Bridge strike causes I-20 and Loop 250 closures
The Texas Department of Transportation closed the eastbound main lanes of I-20 and the northbound lanes of Loop 250 over the motorway while the damage was assessed. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes and expect significant delays.
The incident comes as TxDOT advances wider improvements to the I-20 corridor in Midland County. In July, the agency said a $24 million federal grant would support the reconstruction of the I-20 interchange at South Lamesa Road, including work intended to remove vertical-clearance problems linked to bridge strikes.
Construction on that project is expected to begin in October 2027 and finish in late 2029, TxDOT said.
Authorities said further information about the damage and road closures would be released as it becomes available.
