Semi rollover in New Lenox shuts down westbound I-80; causes acid spill
Truck driver cited, state police say
NEW LENOX, ill. (WLS) -- A semitrailer rolled over on westbound Interstate 80 in New Lenox Thursday morning, shutting down the roadway and leaking acid.
Percy A. Wells, 33, of Chicago, was driving a truck west on I-80 when he tried to change lanes, Illinois State Police said. As he entered the right lane, he said the trailer began to sway. The semitrailer struck the right guardrail, damaging about 200 feet before rolling over in the right ditch.
It occurred before Route 30, where the roadway is only two lanes due to ongoing construction.
Semitrailer rolls over on Interstate 80
The truck belonged to City Haul Inc. A representative for the company said the driver walked away from the scene and did not need to be hospitalized.
Officials later said the truck was hauling triethyl phosphate in liquid form, which was leaking. It's estimated that about 100 gallons of the acid spilled.
Fire department officials and hazmat cleanup teams contained the liquid, and there was no immediate threat to the public Thursday afternoon.
Traffic appeared to be backed up into Mokena to the east for about four miles, and emergency crews were walking around in the brush next to the roadway after the incident.
Traffic backs up after semitrailer rolls over in New Lenox
Motorists were being rerouted onto northbound Interstate 355 from westbound I-80. Southbound I-355 to westbound I-80 was also closed. State police said to expect extended lane closures for all westbound I-80 lanes between I-355 and Route 30.
The highway was reopened Friday morning.
Wells was cited for improper lane usage; additional charges were possible, state police said.
