MINNEAPOLIS -- The driver of a semi-tractor trailer who was killed in a big crash in the Lowry Tunnel Wednesday morning has been identified. That while authorities say the accident happened in an area known for its congestion and high number of crashes.
The State Patrol says 62-year-old Glen Johnson, of Colfax, Wisconsin, was driving the semi truck hauling used car parts when it jackknifed at the east end of the tunnel around 6:30 a.m., spilling the parts across the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94.
The incident closed both lanes of 94 in the Lowry Tunnel. Westbound lanes were back open by 9:30 a.m., eastbound had reopened by noon.
The semi truck came to a stop upside down in the westbound lanes of 94. State Patrol says Johnson became trapped under the truck and died.
Johnson's wife told KARE 11 on Wednesday evening "there are no words to describe how wonderful a man he was."
Three vehicles were hit by debris, but no other major injuries were reported.
"I saw an engine heading for my windshield, and it dropped right in front of my car instead of on me," said Julie Walczak, of Brooklyn Park.
Walczak was on her way to work at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis when she encountered the flying debris.
"I pretty much just said a prayer... God was watching out for me. I guess I'm not done here yet," said Walczak, who's a mother and grandmother.
Meantime, experts say the areas around the Lowry Tunnel are known for their high congestion and frequency of crashes.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, in 2004, there were 108 crashes near the tunnel; in 2005, there were 93 -- most of them minor.
"We have a large volume of traffic every day coming into downtown Minneapolis, leaving downtown Minneapolis at night. And with that much traffic and with that many different traffic patterns there, it does create some issues for drivers," said Kent Barnard with MnDOT.
Experts warn the primary precaution for drivers in this and all areas is to avoid distracted driving.
"This is one of those locations, because of the congestion, because of the overloading capacity, inattentive drivers are not forgiven," said John Hourdos with the Minnesota Traffic Observatory.
Hourdos and Barnard admit a plan to expand the Lowry Hill Tunnel would provide some congestion relief. But given the density of the area and the cost of such a project -- neither believes the project will much support.
"Obviously it would be nice to widen out the Lowry Hill Tunnel. I know there's been discussion of that. But we're in a very constrained space in there. We've got the Basilica, we've got the Lowry Hill businesses and area, and it would be very expensive to widen out the Lowry Tunnel and add some lanes to it. Although it could be done," Barnard said.
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