I-57 hazmat spill results in detours

Katie Smith, Editor-in-Chief

Those commuting from the Champaign-area may be delayed by two detours arranged after a semi-tanker transporting hazardous material overturned early Sunday on Interstate 57 North at Bradley Street.

I-57 northbound and southbound are closed because of a jack-knifed semi Hazmat truck at the scene.

Brian Williamsen of the Illinois Department of Transportation said detours have been put in place to reroute around the closures.

“The northbound is being rerouted at I-72 and southbound is being rerouted at I-74,” Williamsen said.

At about 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Lt. Steve Hopkins of the Champaign Fire Department said it was unclear when the roads would be cleared.

“I would say they’re probably maybe half done,” he said. “It’s going to be several more hours before we have that tank empty.”

Outside contractors are expected to arrive at the scene to help clean areas where the product leaked.

The tank truck was carrying Dimethylaminopropylamine, a highly flammable, colorless liquid.

The Illinois Department of Transportations suggests drivers use caution when seeking an alternate route around the closures.

The Champaign Fire Department plans to continue periodically host conferences to offer updates on safety and road conditions.

The Illinois State Police were not available for comment, and no further information was available as of press time.

 

Katie Smith can be reached at 581-2812 or kesmith2@eiu.edu.