by M.C. Millman

The South Broadway overpass that was damaged yesterday, creating impossible traffic congestion, reopened this morning with severe restrictions. 

The overpass in Nyack was damaged when a tractor-trailer, driven by Ivan Varava, 39, from Hollywood, Florida, and carrying a steel tower that exceeded the New York State Thruway's limits by three feet, slammed into the bridge as reported by Rockland Daily here.

The impact damaged two of the bridge's eight girders and caused a 12-mile backup and impossible traffic congestion that included Route 59 as well. 

As of this morning, bridge traffic has been reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic. According to the Thruway Authority, despite the busy holiday weekend traffic expected, the new reduced traffic pattern will remain until the necessary permanent repairs can be made. Additionally, Orangetown officials stated on social media that no trucks will be allowed on the overpass until further notice. 

The driver, who was taken to Nyack Hospital for evaluation, did not have a permit for driving the oversized load on the Thruway and was issued multiple traffic tickets for violating Thruway Rules and Regulations.