Princes Fwy citybound lanes closed after truck hits bridge

City commuters are being told to expect hefty traffic delays after a truck hit a bridge and spilt contents onto the Princes Freeway on Friday.

Parts of the truck spilt onto the Princes Freeway near Werribee after it crashed into a bridge. Picture: 9News

A major freeway has been forced to close its citybound lanes after a crash involving a truck on Friday, causing significant delays.

Police have closed the Princes Freeway Melbourne-bound at Werribee between the Princes Hwy and Duncans Rd after a truck hit a bridge and spilt contents onto the freeway.

The truck crashed into the Farm Rd overpass about 10.30am on Friday.

Big delays are expected between the Werribee exit and along the Princes Hwy heading towards Werribee.

Commuters heading between Geelong and Melbourne have been told to detour via Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Rd and the Western Hwy.

Police said a “significant amount of debris” was spread across the freeway after the crash.

Pictures posted on social media show a crane that was believed to have hit the bridge moved off the freeway.

The truck driver, a 50 year old Wyndham Vale man, was treated by paramedics at the scene.

No serious injuries were reported.

Debris along Princes Fwy in Werribee where the crane of a truck collided with a bridge. Picture: 9News

The truck driver, a 50 year old Wyndham Vale man, was treated by paramedics at the scene. Picture: 9News

Frustrated commuters have reported waiting up to two hours as bumper-to-bumper traffic crawls through the area.

Driver Mick Cummins took to social media to share his account of the incident, claiming the crane caused a ripple effect of destruction.

“(Crane) hit the bridge, ripped the crane off the trailer which ripped the trailer off the truck,” he said.

One driver, Janet, told 3AW she had been stuck for three hours in traffic while trying to make it to Melbourne for tonight’s AFL semi-final between Melbourne and Carlton.

Meanwhile, a truck driver coming from Torquay had been on the road since 10.20am this morning and only just reached St Kilda Rd about 2pm.

“I really feel for anyone that has to go to the airport from Geelong tonight,” he said.

Motorists stuck in the gridlock have been diverted off the fwy at the Werribee exit, while the on-ramp has since been closed.

Police are at the scene and will reopen lanes after their investigation.

Investigations remain ongoing, anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.vic.com.au

Originally published as Princes Fwy citybound lanes closed after truck hits bridge