Rush-hour crash shuts down Bedford toll lanes, leads to DWI arrest

Jul. 27—A violent rush-hour crash at the Bedford toll plaza Friday evening totaled a pickup truck, shut down two lanes and led to the arrest of a woman on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, State Police said in a news release Saturday.

Troopers responded to a report of a crash shortly after 5 p.m. at the tolls on the southbound side of the F.E. Everett turnpike. Troopers found a Ford Ranger pickup with severe damage in a toll lane, according to the release.

Police determined the the truck was traveling south when it crossed a concrete divider and struck the concrete enclosure of a tollbooth. The driver, identified as Jane Powell, 39, of Nashua, was able to exit the vehicle and was later transported to Elliot Hospital with minor injuries, the report said. No tollbooth workers were reported injuries.

Photos from the incident show significant damage to the front and rear of the vehicle and debris scattered on the roadway and toll structures.

Two E-ZPass lanes were closed for about 90 minutes while police investigated and removed of debris. One lane remained closed Saturday.

Powell was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless conduct. Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has information for the investigation to contact Trooper Matthew Howe at [email protected].