Semi crashes, overturns in I-70 construction zone

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Interstate 70 construction zone in western Putnam County was the scene of another accident Tuesday morning.

About 7:50 a.m., a semi left the roadway and overturned in the westbound lanes of I-70 near the 29-mile marker, Indiana State Police reported.

The driver was uninjured in the one-vehicle crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed a brown 2005 International tractor was pulling a box trailer in the construction zone westbound of I-70.

Indiana State Police Master Trooper Matt Ames said the tractor-trailer, operated by Bryan P. Clarke, 48, Sullivan, Mo., failed to slow properly and veered to the right to avoid striking the rear of other westbound traffic.

The rig, which is owned by St. James Transports LLC, was hauling food items from Napoleon, Ohio, to Salem, Mo.

In investigating the crash, Trooper Ames also conducted a Level 1 Commercial Vehicle Inspection of the truck and trailer, and found no braking deficiencies.

The driver was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

Assisting Master Trooper Ames were Troopers Bill Bradbury and Adam Edwards. Crash cleanup was done by Curtis Wrecker Service.

The interstate reopened Tuesday morning, but traffic was moving slowly in the crash area. Cleanup is expected to be ongoing until late this afternoon.

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists to use caution and slow down when traveling in construction zones.

Tuesday morning's accident marked at least the fourth significant accident in the area since the I-70 reconstruction project began Aug. 15.