Oversized load hits overpass on I-5 near Chehalis: 1 car damaged, big backups

CHEHALIS, Wash. -- Traffic was backed up for miles for several hours after an oversized load hit an overpass just after noon Friday in the Chehalis area.

According to WSP Trooper Will Finn, the semi was pulling two backhoes when it struck the Chamber Way overpass while heading south on I-5.

At least one car was damaged by falling debris from the overpass.

At 4:30 p.m., WSDOT said the backup still stretched 12 miles and advised drivers to either delay their trip or to expect very long waits.

Photos from the scene showed a car with a busted windshield with what appeared to be rocks resting on top of it.

The right lane was blocked as of 1:30 p.m. Friday. Both north and southbound traffic were experiencing delays in the area.