Structural engineers are assessing a heavily damaged bridge on the Trans Canada that has forced the diversion of traffic.

A tractor trailer caused damage to the Southwest Brook Bridge just west of Clarenville in a crash on Monday.

RCMP say the damage is so extensive, the bridge and the Trans Canada remain closed until further notice.

A detour is in place, taking traffic around the site through the Bonavista highway.

The trailer came away from the cab of the truck, landing in the river below.

The driver emerged with injuries not considered to be life threatening. and which were treated in hospital in Clarenville.

RCMP say a second tractor trailer, carrying logs, struck debris on the road, but the driver was not injured.

Engineers are on site to assess the structural integrity of the bridge, and officials are in the process of trying to remove the submerged tanker from the water.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.