AUBURN – A Georgia man took out a traffic light pole with a tractor-trailer Tuesday evening, putting a crimp in the city’s traffic flow at the busy intersection of Court and Spring streets, according to police.
Lt. Tim Cougle of the Auburn Police Department said Harlan Onley, 76, of Wrens, Ga., became lost while driving through Auburn at 5:20 p.m., winding up on Spring Street by the Auburn Public Library.
Onley tried to turn right onto Court Street, but as he drove around the corner the trailer of his 18-wheeler struck a large metal pole that held up a traffic light fixture at the intersection. “He snapped the pole at its base, knocking it into the westbound lane of Court Street,” Cougle said.
Then the traffic light broke free after getting caught on the trailer, and was dragged another 50 yards or so toward Denny’s. It fell to the ground at the railroad tracks just before the restaurant.
A witness observed the traffic light being dragged by the truck and called the police, Cougle said. Despite the wreckage behind him, Onley had failed to stop and headed toward the Maine turnpike. The witness told police where the truck appeared to be headed.
Officer Scott Mercier responded, catching up with Onley at the Auburn turnpike entrance.
“The man was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident,” Cougle said.
According to an accident report, Onley owns the truck he was driving. He was hauling for Warren Transportation Inc. of Waterloo, Iowa
Cougle said Onley’s truck sustained only minor damage like scratches, while damage to the light pole was estimated at $10,000.
Police have set up temporary stop signs at the intersection of Court and Spring streets, and drivers will be asked to stop in each direction until the pole is replaced. Crews are expected to work on the pole this morning, so morning commuters may want to find alternate routes.
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