SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN — A semi-tractor trailer crash and fire that occurred Monday morning in whiteout conditions damaged an Interstate 196 overpass in Saugatuck Township, prompting the closure of northbound lanes and an ongoing bridge assessment by the Michigan Department of Transportation, with authorities now reporting that one northbound lane reopened Tuesday evening while inspections and repair planning continue.

^{Photo credit: Michigan Department of Transportation}

The crash happened just after 7:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, on the I-196 overpass at Old Allegan Road. Authorities said the semi-truck driver lost control amid whiteout conditions, left the roadway, went down an embankment toward Old Allegan Road, and burst into flames alongside the overpass. The truck was reported to be fully engulfed by the time police and firefighters reached the scene.

^{Photo credit: Michigan Department of Transportation}

Officials said a passerby helped the driver out of the rig. A witness, Matt Esche of Holland, said he saw the crash and pulled the driver from the burning truck after the driver was initially unconscious. Authorities identified the driver as Zadairreis Parson of Chicago, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later reported to be recovering with bumps, cuts, and possible spinal injuries. Esche suffered smoke inhalation, according to the report.

The fire and impact led MDOT to assess damage to the overpass. A preliminary inspection found impacts to bridge beams and pier columns, according to MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Garza, who said engineers were working to determine how significant the damage is and what repairs are needed. Old Allegan Road was also affected and was expected to remain closed until bridge work is completed, though officials said it could reopen by the end of the week.

As an update Tuesday, authorities said that around 6:00 p.m., one northbound lane of I-196 reopened starting at the 36 mile marker after concrete barriers were installed. Officials said it was not yet clear when the second northbound lane would reopen. About five miles of northbound I-196 had been closed all day Monday and into Tuesday while cleanup continued and MDOT engineers expanded the inspection, with a statewide bridge crew expected to help finish the assessment and determine next steps. The City of Douglas said MDOT was expected to have crews on scene through Friday.

During the closure, officials said northbound traffic was being detoured along Blue Star Highway through Douglas and Saugatuck, and backups were reported as traffic was redirected. MDOT said the area of I-196 near Old Allegan Road carries an average of about 34,000 vehicles daily in combined northbound and southbound traffic.

The investigation into the crash and the bridge damage assessment remain ongoing.

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