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There's good news for motorists headed to the beach or using East Independence Boulevard for other reasons this afternoon and evening -- the road has been reopened, after being closed or partially closed for most of the morning and early afternoon.
It was all because of an overnight wreck that left a power pole and lines hanging across East Independence Boulevard near Sardis Road North.
Independence was closed for almost six hours between Margaret Wallace Road and Sardis Road North, then was opened with a limited traffic flow from 8:30 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
Charlotte transportation officials say all lanes are open and moving with a regular traffic flow now.
The wreck and slowdowns happened on a day when thousands of motorists are headed to the beach for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Shortly before 3 a.m., police say, a motorist driving north on Sardis Road North apparently was going too fast to make the turn westbound onto Independence Boulevard. Instead, the car slammed into a power pole, knocking down power lines. The vehicle landed in a grove of trees.
CMPD Capt. Skipper Dickson said the motorist suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Dickson said charges are pending against the driver, pending an investigation.
The wreck knocked out the traffic signal at the intersection.
