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All lanes reopened hours after SUV damages sign on I-77 in Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Thousands of drivers had to deal with a traffic nightmare in Huntersville after officials had to close a portion of Interstate 77 because of an early-morning crash that damaged an overhead roadway sign.

The initial accident happened before 5 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-77, near Sam Furr Road.

[ALSO READ: I-77 toll lane project to be delayed months, officials say]

An SUV crashed off the roadway and damaged one of the I-77 Express Lane signs, knocking it off its base.

One person was taken to the hospital but it was unclear how badly they were hurt.

The fire department contacted I-77 Mobility Partners who responded to fix the sign.

The northbound lanes of I-77 were closed between Sam Furr Road and W. Catawba Avenue. Traffic had to be diverted onto Sam Furr Road and police were urged drivers to avoid the interstate.

Officials with I-77 Mobility Partners were able to fix the sign and the interstate was reopened at 10 a.m.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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