PIERRE — Trucks, bridges and railroad tracks have a delicate relationship in Pierre. A lower-than-standard railroad viaduct has claimed numerous semis over the years attempting to clear the structure. On Wednesday night it was the tracks claiming the bridge. A semi hauling a large bridge girder for the new John Waldron Memorial bridge became high-centered over the railroad crossing on Highland Avenue, two blocks east of the bridge and on the detour route for over-height traffic. Eyewitness Dave Voeltz of Pierre says the track blockage caused a Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern train, traveling into Pierre from Fort Pierre to stop before the Poplar Street crossing. The truck’s driver 52 year-old Scott Burke of Des Monies, Iowa was cited by Pierre Police for a truck route violation. Officers requested assistance from local construction contractors A-G-E, Morris Incorporated and Black Hills Towing to get the girder off the tracks. Highland Avenue was blocked for around three hours before being reopened around 10:30 pm.
