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U.S. 59 Reopens After Hay Spill as Alleged Impaired Driver Hits Patrol Car

Police are investigating an impaired-driving crash that injured an officer during the cleanup.

Overview

  • An oversized truck struck an overpass at the U.S. 59/Highway 288 split just after midnight, dropping hay bales across southbound lanes.
  • Crews worked to remove roughly 900 to 1,100 pounds of hay while closures near Downtown Houston triggered delays exceeding 80 minutes.
  • Around 3 a.m., a Volvo driver broke through barricades at the scene and crashed into a patrol car with an officer inside.
  • The officer was taken to Memorial Hermann with minor, non-life-threatening injuries, according to Houston police.
  • Houston TranStar reported the freeway was cleared later Monday morning, and investigators are reviewing the overpass strike and the suspected impaired-driving crash as the driver remains unidentified after reportedly admitting to drinking.