Detoured tractor-trailer downs wires, street sign, traffic island in Ashland

By Kaylee Lindenmuth

ASHLAND – A tractor-trailer detoured by water repairs at Center and Hoffman downed utility lines,  a street sign, and damaged a traffic island after becoming stuck at Hoffman and Walnut Streets in the borough.

According to State Police at Frackville, Cornelius F. Alexander, 48, of Zephyrhills, Florida was travelling east on Walnut Street towards its intersection with Hoffman Boulevard, with intentions of turning right, southbound on Route 61.

Instead of turning into the southbound lane, the 2013 Kenworth entered the oncoming northbound lane, becoming wedged on the stone retaining wall at the traffic island while pulling wires down off of 102 South Hoffman, travelling onto the pavement and striking a roadside sign.

The tractor trailer suffered damage on the left rear of its trailer from scraping the retaining wall.

Route 61, Hoffman Boulevard, was closed for a time while the tractor-trailer was removed, and traffic was detoured by Ashland Fire Police.

The tipped sign was put back in place, and crews from Service Electric and Verizon were brought to examine the wire damage, with Service Electric confirming no damage to theirs.

Alexander will be cited for the maneuver.

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