Driver Charged After Striking 12+ Overpasses on NY Thruway

Key Details New York State Police charged truck driver Oleksander Tarakanovskyi, 38, of North Carolina after his overheight load struck more than a dozen overpasses along a 60-mile stretch of the New York State Thruway on March 18. Troopers stopped the 2019 Freightliner in the town of Salina after responding to reports of bridge strikes caused by an excavator on a flatbed trailer. Charges and Citations Tarakanovskyi faces a reckless endangerment charge in the second degree and received more than 20 citations, including violations of federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. State Police investigators determined the over-height load caused mild to moderate damage to multiple structures along the westbound route between Exits 30 and 36. Why It Matters Bridge strikes continue to plague states nationwide, creating safety hazards and costly infrastructure repairs. Officials expressed shock that a professional driver could remain unaware of hitting 12 overpasses, calling the incident reckless behavior that undermines highway safety. Inspectors examined all affected bridges and confirmed they remain structurally safe, though repairs are planned. Authorities emphasized their commitment to holding drivers accountable for negligent load management and operator oversight, protecting both infrastructure and public safety on major transportation corridors.