Crews have removed a dump truck that slammed into scaffolding on the Burlington Skyway earlier this week, causing major traffic gridlock and forcing the closure of all Toronto-bound lanes of the bridge until at least Monday.
A heavy-duty tow truck removed the smashed truck from the bridge on Saturday morning, clearing the way for engineers to evaluate the true scale of the damage.
The bridge sustained significant damage after the truck crashed into the scaffolding structure Thursday afternoon.
The dump truck was travelling with its bucket in an elevated position before striking a portion of the scaffolding. The truck's bucket also slammed into the bridge's overhead girders, causing extensive damage.
The closure has forced thousands of motorists to find alternate routes during the busy long weekend traffic.
Toronto-bound drivers from the Hamilton-Niagara region are being asked to take the Red Hill Valley Parkway exit off the QEW, then get on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway, and then onto Highway 403 Eastbound, which merges onto the QEW towards Toronto.
Drivers can also try taking Eastport Drive to the Burlington Canal lift bridge adjacent to the Skyway. But travelling over the lift bridge is tricky at the best of times, as the lift is raised every hour on the half hour to allow boats and ships through.
Police say engineers will continue to assess the scope of the damage before determining whether the bridge is safe to reopen.
A 34-year-old truck driver from Brampton is facing impaired driving charges in connection to the accident.
