( Campbellsburg ) ** Update 12-7-12, 2:10pm ** Kentucky State Police has identified the driver of the semi truck as 54-year-old Johnny Sherard of Anderson, South Carolina. Investigators say he drove off the right side of Southbound 71 and hit the end of a bridge overpass. The cab separated from the trailer and landed on Tapering Point road below, leaving the trailer in the Southbound lanes.

Police say Sherard was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The wet road surface is a factor in the crash. There is thought to be no structural damage to the overpass, despite a crack.

** Update 12-7-12, 12:30pm ** One lane has been reopened.

Original story:
A fatal tractor trailer crash has shut down I-71 at the Verona exit #72. The crash happened at the 63 mile marker and traffic is being diverted to US 42 for travel south of the accident and re-enter on I-71 or KY 16 which will take motorists to I-75 at or near Glencoe.

The road is expected to be closed for at least the next three hours.