[UPDATE]
One lane has been reopened to allow stuck traffic a chance to move. Crews hope to open more within the next hour.
Officials still say to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Traffic is at a standstill on I-85 northbound just before Sugar Creek Road after a semi-truck crashed into the side of a bridge early Wednesday morning.
Crews have shutdown I-85 north between exits 41 and 42 after a semi-truck carrying cotton crashed into the side of the 29/49 connector around 4:40am Wednesday. Two people were trapped in the truck but have been freed and taken to CMC with life threatening injuries. It took crews nearly 30 minutes to get them out.
Fire crews are still monitoring the truck after it caught fire.
The bridge from North Tryon Street to I-85 southbound has also been closed due to safety concerns after possible damage to the bridge.
Officials say the area will be shutdown until at least 9:00am.
We will be updating this story as it develops. You can tune into Rising through 9am for your best alternate routes.
