Salem, OR (July 3, 2026) – One person was hospitalized on Thursday morning, July 2, after a four-car crash on the Center Street Bridge in Salem.
The Salem Police said the crash happened on the Center Street Bridge over the Willamette River, along the Highway 22 corridor. Salem Fire sent several units to the bridge around 10:18 a.m.
Police said a 53-year-old Salem man was driving faster than 80 mph on the bridge when his car slid along the bridge railing before returning to the roadway. The crash then involved four vehicles, and debris was spread across several hundred feet.
One person was hospitalized after the collision. No additional details were released about that person’s injuries or the others involved.
The crash caused major traffic delays in West Salem. Eastbound traffic on Highway 22 reportedly backed up for about two miles, stretching toward Rosewood Drive.
The Police arrested the Salem man in connection with the crash. He was cited for reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and driving with a suspended license. The Salem crash remains under investigation.
We hope the injured person gets better.
Bridge Crashes During Morning Travel Create Major Hazards
Bridge crashes can quickly disrupt traffic because drivers usually have limited room to move around damaged vehicles, debris, or emergency units. When a crash happens on a major crossing, backups may spread onto nearby highways and city streets.
Multi-vehicle crashes on bridges may also create added injury risks. Drivers may have little time to react when debris or stopped vehicles appear ahead, especially when traffic is already slowing.
After a serious bridge accident, investigators regularly review speed, vehicle movement, roadway marks, bridge rail damage, debris spread, and traffic camera footage. These details help explain how the crash unfolded and why delays lasted for an extended period.
