“It Didn't Fit”: Cable Spool of Flatbed Strikes Freeway Overpass

The flatbed was carrying a spool of cable that slammed into the overpass, closing a transition road

A transition road was closed in Long Beach after a large spool of cable on a flatbed truck collided with an overpass at the 710 and 91 freeway interchange.

The transition road from the northbound 710 Freeway to the eastbound 91 Freeway remained closed during part of the morning drive as crews inspected the overpass and worked to transfer the cable spool to another flatbed truck. The spool, measuring 14 feet, 3 inches tall, struck the overpass, according to the truck driver.

The driver was bound for San Marcos at about 4 a.m. when he was traveling under the overpass, rated for heights of 14 feet, 9 inches, and felt a jolt.

"It didn't fit," said the truck driver, Robert. "I was almost ejected through the windshield. I just held on and pulled over."

Caltrans crew members at the location said the bridge does not appear to have sustained structural damage.

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