WATCH: Truck Strikes Meadowbrook Overpass, Crumbles

Video of an out-of-state tractor trailer slamming into a Meadowbrook State Parkway overpass Wednesday shows why truckers should abide by state law prohibiting commercial vehicles on parkways.

The trailer crumbled on impact when the truck hit the overpass of Hempstead Turnpike just after 10:30 a.m., scattering debris across the roadway, and closing traffic in both directions between Exit M5 And M6.

Driver Excell Smith entered the parkway at Stewart Avenue heading toward Freeport, State Police told Newsday. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were immediately reported. 

The crash occurred on the very morning that Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new system that is nearing completion that aims to help prevent truck-bridge crashes on state parkways, especially those with low bridges.

The program incorporates overheight detection technology that signals a warning alerting truckers to pull over and call New York State Police for assistance. 

The systems are being installed on roadways where entry points for over-height vehicles were identified and include:

• NY Route 106/107 north ramp to Northern State Parkway westbound in Hicksville