Tractor-trailer hits overpass on Southern State Parkway

A tractor-trailer hauling rolls of toilet paper struck a bridge overpass on the Southern State Parkway early Thursday in North Massapequa, scattering bath tissue across the road, forcing its closure, police said.

State Police said the accident occurred on the eastbound roadway at Exit 30, North Broadway, at 12:30 a.m. One lane remained partially blocked at 6:45 a.m., though the New York State Department of Transportation said the road reopened at about 8:15 a.m.

Tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are not allowed on most parkways in New York State.

Police said the truck entered the Southern State from Route 135, the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, and was headed to Brentwood.

The trailer portion of the truck was destroyed, police saying that when the tractor-trailer struck the overpass it "opened up like a can," spewing toilet paper everywhere.

There were no reported injuries, but police said the driver, whose identity was not released, was issued a ticket.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”