Overturned Tractor-Trailer Shuts Down I-85 Near Durham County Exit
DURHAM COUNTY — An overturned tractor-trailer blocked multiple lanes of Interstate 85 near the 15-501 exit Tuesday, causing significant traffic delays during the evening commute.
The commercial vehicle rolled onto its side in the northbound lanes of I-85, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol officials. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
Traffic backed up for several miles as crews worked to clear the wreckage and reopen the affected lanes. The North Carolina Department of Transportation advised motorists to seek alternate routes while cleanup operations continued.
Emergency Response and Lane Closures
State troopers closed the right and center lanes of northbound I-85 to allow emergency vehicles access to the scene. The left lane remained open for through traffic, but drivers experienced significant delays.
Hazmat teams were called to the location as a precaution to assess whether any hazardous materials had spilled from the overturned truck. Officials have not yet released information about the truck’s cargo or whether environmental concerns played a role in the response.
A heavy-duty tow truck was dispatched to right the commercial vehicle and remove it from the roadway.
Cause Under Investigation
The circumstances that led to the truck overturning are under investigation by the State Highway Patrol. Officials have not released details about weather conditions at the time of the incident or whether other vehicles were involved.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the crash. The condition of the truck driver was not immediately available.
The 15-501 interchange serves as a major connection point for drivers traveling between Durham and Chapel Hill, making the location particularly problematic for evening rush hour traffic.
Traffic Impact and Alternate Routes
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recommended that northbound drivers consider using Highway 70 or Interstate 40 as alternate routes around the blocked section of I-85. Southbound traffic was not affected by the incident.
Officials estimated that full lane reopening would take several hours depending on the complexity of the cleanup operation. Motorists were advised to expect continued delays even after the roadway reopened.
The incident occurred during peak travel time, amplifying the impact on commuters heading home from the Triangle area. Local traffic reporting services issued alerts warning drivers about the extensive backups.
This marks the latest in a series of commercial vehicle incidents on Triangle-area interstates in recent months. State officials continue to emphasize safe driving practices for all motorists, particularly operators of large commercial vehicles.
Sources: WRAL Raleigh
