UPDATE: Truck crashes off Convent Road bridge; Bridge closed pending damage assessment

Sept. 08--Two people sustained minor injuries Tuesday when a Dodge Dakota truck ran off the bridge on Convent Road at the intersection with Larkwood Drive in Cullman and landed upside down in the ditch below.

The truck was driven Edward Pace, 86, with his wife Athena, 90, riding alongside him. Both were transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center for treatment, though neither were apparently facing any major injuries. They were both wearing seatbelts.

According to Cullman Police, the driver reportedly hit the accelerator while attempting to brake, which pushed the truck onto the concrete curb. From there, it rode on the top of the guard rail for several feet, then flipped over the side of the bridge and fell approximately 20 feet.

The truck came to rest upside down in the creek bed below.

The accident occurred at approximately 10:36 a.m.

Cullman Police and fire responders worked the scene, hiking several yards down to the vehicle to assist those involved in the crash.

Following an on site survey of the bridge, Cullman risk management director Tom Charney confirmed it did sustain some infrastructure damage from the accident. The curb was cracked, a center guard rail is missing and officials say there may have been some damage to a piling underneath.

The bridge previously received an extremely low rating for safety and structural integrity during a survey a few years ago.

The bridge has been closed temporarily as a precaution, pending a more detailed inspection by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Assuming the bridge isn't condemned, it could reopen within the next 2-3 days.

The small, low-lying bridge is on the list for eventual replacement, and the city has attained some federal grant funds to assist with the project. But, the new bridge is only in the design phase at the moment, and it will still be approximately two years until the new bridge is complete.

"We're doing everything we can to get it back open," Charney said.

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