Two @PepcoConnect crews work to remove and replace a damaged power pole along New Hampshire Ave. @WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/ePBJQx8nCJ
— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) May 4, 2018
LANGLEY PARK, Md. — Traffic has reopened on one lane of southbound New Hampshire Avenue — a major commuter route from the Capital Beltway to downtown D.C. — after a crash involving multiple vehicles brought down power poles.
One lane of SB New Hampshire Avenue is now open. Please use caution. NB New Hampshire Avenue remains closed. #MDTraffic pic.twitter.com/wi819U1Ixx
— PGPDNEWS (@PGPDNews) May 4, 2018
New Hampshire Avenue had been closed in both directions between Piney Branch Road and Quebec Street after a four-car crash cracked and knocked down power poles.
“We have four people who were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” said Corporal Lamar Robinson, of Prince George’s County police. “Investigators are still on the scene, trying to piece together the cause of the collision.”
One power pole was sheared-off four feet from its base, stretching wires running along New Hampshire Avenue.
By 6 a.m a Pepco crew brought replacement poles to the scene on the back of a flatbed truck. Other heavy equipment to erect the poles are also in place.
Pepco spokesman Marcus Beal said it will likely take until Friday afternoon to erect and restring the poles. He said three customers are without power as a result of the damage to the poles and wires.
Officials said it might be several hours before the road completely reopens.
