Box Truck Hits Laurel Ave. Rail Bridge

A 2001 Peterbilt box truck got stuck under the NJ Transit railroad bridge on Laurel Avenue at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23.

Police said the 14-foot high truck, owned by Native Floral LLC of Maryland and driven by Alex Alberto Romero of Glen Burnie, Md., was headed northbound on Laurel Avenue when it hit the bridge, which has a clearance of 12 and a half feet. There are several signs in the area warning drivers of the bridge’s clearance

The roof of the trailer was completely torn off and the truck’s tailgate was left hanging off the rear.  A portion of the roof fell directly into the road underneath the bridge and was struck by two motorists who were traveling directly behind the truck, police said. There was also some debris that was lodged in the side of the bridge.

No one was injured and traffic on Laurel Avenue was closed to one lane for approximately 90 minutes until the truck and debris was finally cleared from the roadway and inspectors from NJ Transit deemed the bridge safe for passing trains.

Taylors Towing of Red Bank removed the vehicle and AM-PM Towing of Middletown removed the debris from the roadway. 

Romero was issued a summons for Careless Driving.  Patrolman John Maguire is investigating the crash and was assisted on scene by Patrolman Christopher Cherney and Cpl. William Cusick as well as officers from the Middletown Township Police and the NJ Transit Police Department.  Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call the Holmdel Township Police at 732-946-4400.