Good news for truckers: A section of Interstate 16 in Georgia that was shut down early Thursday could be back open soon.

Related: Accident dislodges Georgia overpass, forces I-16 closure

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had to close a 7-mile stretch of the highway in Treutlen County after a truck hit an overpass and dislodged it several feet.

GDOT crews spent Thursday night demolishing the overpass and were still removing the debris as of late Friday afternoon. According to a video update on the GDOT Facebook page, officials hoped to reopen at least one of the two westbound lanes by 5 p.m. EDT Friday, but it could take until later Friday night. This would help restore traffic flow for trucks hauling freight from the Port of Savannah.

11:00 AM I-16

The I-16 bridge was completely demolished last night.

Debris is still being removed and all work must be completed before any lanes can be reopened.

We expect to reopen at least one lane WB by this afternoon. @GADeptofTrans pic.twitter.com/bquL0iLO40

— GDOT East Traffic (@GDOTEastTraffic) July 16, 2021

GDOT then hopes to have the other westbound lane, plus both eastbound lanes, open by the end of the weekend. In the meantime, click here for detour information.

Be sure to follow the FreightWaves website and social media accounts for more updates.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Nick Austin.

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