Bridge over I-95 closed in Smithfield after truck hauling chickens crashes

A bridge over Interstate 95 in Smithfield was closed early Tuesday morning after a tractor-trailer hauling frozen chickens crashed into the bridge's support pillar.

The truck drove off the interstate around 3:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes near mile marker 95, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers said the driver, who was not identified, was trapped for about 45 minutes but suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said the truck shattered a pillar that supported the N.C. Highway 70 Business bridge over I-95. The bridge is closed while engineers evaluate it.

I-95 reopened Tuesday morning, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation said the bridge over the interstate is expected to be closed until early January 2017.