Downed power lines causes extended shutdown on US-41 in Charlotte County

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – The northbound lanes of US-41 are still shut down after a large load slammed into a power pole near West Hendry Street on Thursday before 3 p.m.

A truck tractor was being escorted by another truck that was supposed to identify low wires. A worker was not notified and the truck struck a wire, which caused a pole to snap and cables to break.

Nine hours later the roads were still impacted by the incident. FPL crews are at the scene working to clean up the mess.

Southbound lanes were reopened Thursday evening and authorities said the northbound lanes would reopen before morning commutes on Friday.