The underside of an Interstate 49 overpass at Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport was damaged today when an oversized load ran into it.

One lane of I-49 was closed and both sides of Bert Kouns were closed at one point while state highway engineers inspected the overpass for structural damage. Engineers said the damage did not appear to have weakened the overpass.

A crane was brought in late this afternoon to remove the windmill tower that damaged the underpass. Bert Kouns was reopened to traffic.

The driver of the truck was ticketed for having an oversize load.

The steel support of the overpass was dented.

"The bridge is still sound," Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development engineer Greg Wall said. "We closed the lane down just for precautionary measures and we are checking it."

The 18-wheeler was carrying a windmill tower on Bert Kouns. The cargo was too tall for the underpass' 16-foot clearance and struck its underside.

The accident happened at mid-morning.

A state highway department crew that specializes in repairing this type of damage was called in from Baton Rouge.