MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP – The driver sustained only minor injuries, but the patience of hundreds of drivers, trying to use Route 209, north of Marshalls Creek, was put to a serious test.  A one-vehicle crash brought down a utility pole, closing the closing the road in both directions for more than four hours.

The accident happened about 9:30 Saturday morning, when Raymond Graceffa lost control of his car, hitting the pole, which fell across the road. 

Authorities closed 209, from Foxmoor Village to McDonald’s, forcing a lengthy detour through winding residential roads.