Update: 8:15 am DelDOT releases statement:
Following yesterday’s incident on SR 1 north of Smyrna, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that both SR 1 northbound lanes are open at North Smyrna Exit 119 AND SR 1 southbound at DE 299 is OPEN to traffic, with traffic limited to the left lane at the scene of the incident. Clean-up will continue over the next several days and motorists can expect delays in this area and are urged to use caution.
DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) and WTMC-1380 AM provides motorists real-time traffic conditions throughout the state. Motorists can contact the TMC 24/7 to report any travel or traffic related issues at the following numbers: Dial #77 from any cell phone in Delaware; (302) 659-4600; or 1-800-324-8379.
Motorists may adjust their routes or travel times by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple & Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free, search for “DelDOT” at the Apple and Google Play stores. With the DelDOT App you can view real time traffic cameras, travel times, delays, advisories, DART’s Real-Time Transit Information, and also listen to WTMC 1380 AM.
Update
Townsend – It looks like Route 1 is open for business between Townsend and Smyrna this morning. While no official word has been posted by DelDOT just yet, a review of traffic cameras and Google Maps indicates that traffic is moving freely along the stretch of Route 1 that was closed for most of yesterday.
An early morning accident involving an overturned fuel truck closed the highway in both directions, causing motorist to find alternative routes. Route 13 was jammed in both directions for hours as drivers were pushed off of Route 1 on to Route 13.
Many drivers were delayed for several hours according to social media accounts.
Original Story
Townsend – State Route 1 remains closed in both directions between Exit 119 (North Smyrna) and DE 299 (Middletown/Odessa) as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC), Emergency Prevention and Response Team continues it’s containment and clean-up operation, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident began at approximately 8:20 a.m., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 as a 2000 Chevrolet Express van, which was towing a loaded car dolly was travelling State Route 1 northbound in the area of New Discovery Rd., Townsend. The Chevrolet’s right rear tire sustained a blow-out which caused the operator, Musikami F. Bishogo, 55 of Dover, DE to lose control, according to Austin. The Chevrolet then crossed the grassy center median and entered into the State Route 1 southbound lanes and into the path of a 2013 Volvo tractor trailer tanker, which contained approximately 8500 gallons of unleaded gasoline. As the operator of the tractor trailer attempted to avoid the Chevrolet, the vehicle jack-knifed and overturned, eventually coming to rest off the right (west) side of the roadway, with the tanker partially down a grass embankment.
As a result of the crash the tanker sustained damage which caused the release of an unknown quantity of its contents. Also as a result of the crash the tractor trailer operator, a 56 year old Vineland, New Jersey man, sustained serious injuries for which he was airlifted to Christiana Hospital by Delaware State Police helicopter Trooper 4.
Bishogo was cited for Operating an Unsafe Motor Vehicle, Operation of an Unregistered Motor Vehicle and Failure to Have Insurance Identification In Possession.
Route 1 between Smyrna and Townsend has been closed in both direction as crews work to clean up the fuel.
Image Credits: Delaware State Police