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Truck On Way To Scrapyard Gets Stuck At Viaduct, Snarling Traffic (Again)

By Ted Cox | March 3, 2017 5:22pm | Updated on March 6, 2017 8:00am
 Ald. Brian Hopkins says another truck bound for the General Iron scrap yard got stuck under the Armitage Avenue viaduct Friday, backing traffic up onto the Kennedy Expressway.
Ald. Brian Hopkins says another truck bound for the General Iron scrap yard got stuck under the Armitage Avenue viaduct Friday, backing traffic up onto the Kennedy Expressway.
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Office of Ald. Brian Hopkins

BUCKTOWN — The office of Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) reported being flooded with calls from irate residents Friday after another truck headed to the General Iron scrapyard got stuck under the train overpass at Armitage Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway.

Aldermanic spokesman Christian Ficara said phone lines were "inundated," adding, "We're getting hit from neighbors asking, 'When's enough enough?'"

According to Ficara, a heavily loaded truck carrying scrap metal got jammed under a train overpass just east of the Armitage on ramp to the expressway at about 2 p.m. Friday. It blocked traffic on Armitage and backed up up traffic on the exit ramp onto the Kennedy Expressway.

The issue has been a persistent irritation for Hopkins, who's openly suggested the scrap yard be closed.

"I was disturbed to hear about the most recent General Iron truck incident which occurred today just east of the Armitage onramp," Hopkins said Friday. "Unfortunately, I can’t say I’m surprised. This is yet again another example of the company’s irresponsible and continued disregard for public-safety warnings."

Hopkins called the persistent truck jams "unacceptable to local residents and commuters," adding, "I will continue to work with the appropriate city departments to ensure that this business does not continue to pose a health and safety threat to our community."

General Iron co-owner Adam Labkon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.