The Minnesota Department of Transportation has restricted access to oversized semis traveling westbound on Interstate 90 over Minnesota Highway 13.

The westbound I-90 overpass over the highway was struck by a cultivator Tuesday morning after it came detached from the vehicle that was pulling it.

Kristin Kammueller, District 6 communications spokeswoman, said semis traveling westbound on I-90 that are carrying more than 80,000 pounds are being rerouted off the freeway at Exit 154. Signs lead back on through the onramp to avoid the bridge.

Cars and smaller-weight semis are still allowed to drive on the bridge.

She said there was damage to a beam that will need to be replaced. She did not know a timeline for its repair.

“We’re trying to decide what the best course of action is to take,” Kammueller said.

In the meantime, the right shoulder of the bridge has also been closed.

 

I-35 bridge over East Main Street

Kammueller said the railing on the northbound Interstate 35 overpass over East Main Street near Love’s truck stop in Albert Lea was damaged Wednesday after a semi truck went over the guardrail.

The semi tractor reportedly blew a tire and was hung over the bridge. A fire started, and the tractor ended up in a ditch between the northbound lanes and the Exit 11 northbound onramp. The trailer landed upside down along the side of the overpass near evergreen trees.

Kammueller said there will be periodic lane closures in the area as MnDOT crews work to repair the railing. She estimated work would be finished in two to three weeks.

No other damage was found.