Raleigh accident backs up traffic

RALEIGH -- Traffic is returning to normal west of downtown Raleigh this morning after emergency workers removed a beer truck that became wedged under a bridge overpass, authorities reported.

No injuries were reported.

The beer truck was reported stuck under the Peace Street bridge, near West Street at 6:21 a.m., just before the beginning of the downtown commuter rush hour. The truck had its top peeled open after it failed to clear the 12-foot, 4-inch clearance. It has caused traffic backups and delays.

"Motorists were advised to avoid the area until the truck can be cleared from the bridge, " Jim Sughrue, a police spokesman said this morning.

The 18-wheeler was still jammed in the overpass at 8:30 a.m.

Emergency workers removed the tractor trailer that was carrying a load of Michelob Ultra Lite beer from the overpass just before 9 a.m., authorities reported.

Bridge inspectors found the road or the bridge was not damaged as a result of the early morning incident, Sughrue said.