A semi-truck driver is facing five charges after an oversized load hit a train bridge on Highway 16 near Borden on Wednesday. The semi was hauling hopper-bottom bins when it struck the train bridge near the Borden Bridge, about 50 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. RCMP said the incident was reported shortly before noon. CTV News reached out to Canadian National Railway for comment on the damage and any potential impact to rail operations. The company said to direct all questions to the RCMP. The Saskatchewan Highway Patrol said the driver has been charged with damage to a public improvement, failing to comply with permit conditions, exceeding the height authorized by permit, driving without due care and attention, and failing to carry a bill of lading. The incident is the latest in a series of eight overpass strikes this year. Five of those incidents happened in March alone. On March 5, a semi hauling an excavator struck the overpass at the Circle Drive, Highway 11 and Highway 16 cloverleaf. The City of Saskatoon estimated repairs would cost $400,000. Less than a week later, the 108th Street overpass over Circle Drive was hit. Initial estimates put repair costs at about $350,000. On March 16, a semi-truck carrying an excavator and heading south on Highway 39 hit an overpass on Highway 1 east of Moose Jaw. On March 22, the McKercher Drive overpass was hit. The CPKC rail bridge near the Attridge Drive overpass was also hit that day. The driver left the scene but was later located in Martensville by RCMP. In June, a semi became stuck under Regina’s Broad Street train bridge. A month later, a semi struck Saskatoon’s 51st Street overpass on Idylwyld Drive. In a statement, the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol said overpass strikes are “unfortunate and completely avoidable by following height, width and weight restrictions on all city and provincial roadways.” “Operators are asked to follow all height, weight and transport regulations and restrictions and inspect their loads before driving to protect roadway infrastructure and ensure the safety and security of motorists and communities,” the statement added. Susan Ewart, executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, said the repeated incidents highlight a broader issue. “I think it really speaks to the larger problem of non-compliance in the industry,” Ewart said. However, she noted that after the first two overpass strikes earlier this year, the association saw an increase in training around for securing cargo. She said the association has met with the province and municipalities to discuss the issue and find a solution. “Whether it’s something that we can support with more education and support,” Ewart said. “Continuing to have those conversations to even make the process a little bit more seamless for when we’re getting permits so that we’re maybe coordinating with one department instead of five different ones.” Ewart noted that most drivers prioritize safety and are experienced in moving large rigs.
