Mona Vale Rd: traffic chaos as semi crashes over safety barrier, driver may be charged

An out-of control prime mover smashed over a safety barrier at a road works site, causing traffic chaos on a major northern beaches’ route.

A semi-trailer left Mona Vale Rd at Ingleside and crashed over a concrete safety barrier at a roadworks construction zone. Picture: Ingleside RFS

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The driver of an out-of-control semi-trailer that smashed over a safety barrier at a road works site on the northern beaches may face charges, or be fined by police.

A massive prime mover hauling a trailer carrying a shipping container, crashed off Mona Vale Rd on a down hill run at Ingleside at about 6.50am on Thursday.

A semi-trailer left Mona Vale Rd at Ingleside and crashed over a concrete safety barrier at a roadworks construction zone. Picture: Ingleside RFS

Traffic on the major commuter route was thrown into chaos for most of the day.

Authorities diverted light vehicles via Powderworks Rd and Ponderosa Pde while heavy vehicles had to make their way via Pittwater Rd, Wakehurst Parkway, Warringah Rd and Forest Way.

During the crash, the prime mover smashed over the concrete barriers, Its trailer, with the 13m container, became wedged on top of the barriers.

A prime mover towing a trailer carrying a shipping container, left Mona Vale Rd (East) at Ingleside at 6.50am and crashed over a concrete safety barrier in a road construction zone. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

There was an initial contraflow put in place by police and transport authorities, but the road was closed in both directions from about 11am to 3pm to allow fuel to the drained from the damaged semi.

A heavy duty crane has been brought into to remove the vehicle. The Transport Management Centre advised that the road was expected to close again from about 9pm tonight so the vehicle can be removed.

The incident occurred at road works for the $140 million upgrade of the eastern stretch of Mona Vale Rd.

Heavy duty lifting equipment was needed to salvage the vehicle. Picture: Ingleside RFS

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has said the revamp was designed to make Mona Vale Rd safer as well as improve traffic flows.

When asked by the Manly Daily if Thursday morning’s incident would lead to a rethink in the steepness of sections of the new road TfNSW said in a statement that as “this incident is subject to police investigation it would be inappropriate for Transport for NSW to comment at this time”.

Motorists are advised to avoid the location on Thursday night. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

Police told the Manly Daily that the crash remained under investigation.

“There are no charges or infringements at this stage,” a spokesman said.