Semi driver enters guilty plea: fined $11K for damaging City overpass

A man has been fined a total of $11,200 for damaging the Circle Drive overpass earlier this year at Highways #11 and #16.

It happened March 5, when a semi-trailer flatbed on Highway 11 was hauling a large, tracked excavator and struck the cloverleaf overpass for Highway 16. The impact sheared off the top part of the excavator and caused significant damage to the outer edge of the overhead structure.

In Bylaw Court Wednesday, June 24, the truck driver pleaded guilty to damaging City infrastructure under The Traffic Bylaw. The Court accepted a joint submission from the City Bylaw Prosecutor and the driver in which the driver would pay a fine of $8,000 plus a victim surcharge of $3,200.

Under the Bylaw, the maximum fine for an individual is $10,000. The court granted the driver 18-months to pay the $11,200.

A Traffic Bylaw charge against Regina-based Bowline Logistics, the corporation which owns the vehicle, is adjourned for plea until July 8.

The City has subsequently submitted a claim to Bowline's and the driver’s insurer and is awaiting a reply to recover the overpass repair costs.