Semi-Truck Strikes Highway 172 Bridge on Riverside Drive in Green Bay, Wisconsin

A semi-truck carrying an oversized load struck the Highway 172 bridge on Riverside Drive in Green Bay on Monday morning, causing moderate structural damage but no injuries. The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m. when the southbound truck, operated by a driver unfamiliar with the route, collided with two steel girders on the bridge's underside. Brown County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jason McAuly responded to the scene. Wisconsin DOT Northeast Region bridge inspection manager Brady Rades reported one girder sustained cosmetic scrapes while the other experienced significant deformation, being pushed approximately six inches out of alignment. Engineers conducted immediate inspections and repairs to address a small crack in the affected girder. The bridge remains safe for all traffic, with future heat-straightening operations planned for complete restoration.

Location and Infrastructure The Highway 172 bridge crossing Riverside Drive serves as a crucial east-west corridor in the Green Bay metropolitan area, connecting the city's east side with Ashwaubenon. Riverside Drive, running north-south beneath the bridge, is a major arterial route frequently used by commercial vehicles accessing nearby industrial areas. The bridge's clearance height is clearly marked with signage, though its location near several major intersections and highway transitions can challenge drivers unfamiliar with local routes. The area experiences substantial commercial traffic due to its proximity to industrial zones and the Port of Green Bay.

Oversized truck loads pose significant hazards on Wisconsin's roadways, particularly when navigating bridges and overpasses. According to WisDOT data, bridge strikes from overheight vehicles cause millions in infrastructure damage annually and create dangerous conditions for other motorists. These incidents often result from drivers being unfamiliar with routes, misunderstanding load heights, or failing to heed warning signs. The risk increases in urban areas where multiple bridges, varying clearance heights, and complex traffic patterns challenge even experienced drivers. Wisconsin law requires special permits for oversized loads and mandates specific route planning, but compliance issues persist, especially with out-of-state carriers unfamiliar with local infrastructure constraints.

Legal Rights and Considerations Wisconsin Statute 348.175 governs liability for infrastructure damage caused by overheight vehicles, potentially making operators responsible for repair costs. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate insurance coverage for property damage and typically carry specialized policies for oversized loads. Claims involving public infrastructure damage may involve different procedures than standard accident claims. The statute of limitations for property damage claims in Wisconsin is six years, though immediate reporting is essential for insurance purposes. Compensation may cover repair costs, traffic control measures, and associated engineering assessments. An experienced Allouez injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Brown County Sheriff's Office: Emergency Response Division
• Wisconsin DOT Northeast Region Maintenance Office
• Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association Safety Program
• Wisconsin Commercial Driver Requirements and Regulations Portal