Sacramento Semi-Truck Driver Strikes Bridge In Wyoming, Charged With DUI

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) -- A 44-year-old semi tractor-trailer driver whose truck crashed into a bridge over Interstate 80 in Wyoming has been charged with driving more than the federal commercial driving limit of 11 hours and driving under the influence.

Brian M. Nelson, of Sacramento, California, also has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and careless driving.

The Laramie Boomerang reports that court documents show Nelson pleading not guilty to the charges, all misdemeanors.

Scene of the crash over the weekend. (Credit: Wyoming Highway Patrol)

The crash occurred about 1 a.m. last Saturday near Laramie. The Highway Patrol says Nelson fell asleep and veered off the road.

Nelson suffered minor injuries.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation says the bridge sustained significant damage and is closed under further notice.

WYDOT spokesman Matt Murphy says traffic on I-80 going under the bridge would be unaffected.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.