Just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Route 1 was closed due to an overturned tractor-trailer that was reportedly carrying hazardous material.
The truck involved in the crash was reportedly transporting approximately 1,300 gallons of chlorine which was leaking after the crash.
Specialized HAZMAT crews and officials with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) responded to assist first responders at the scene.
As a result of the ongoing cleanup and containment efforts, Route 1 southbound remains closed to traffic. The closure has led to significant traffic congestion, spilling onto nearby side roads and alternate routes. Route 9, Route 896, and Route 213 in Chesapeake City, Maryland have all experienced increased traffic volume due to the closure.
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The hazmat situation on Route 1 southbound between 72 (Wrangle Hill Rd.) and the Roth Bridge is expected to take a considerable amount of time to clean up and fully remove. At this point, it is advised that travelers consider alternate routes for their afternoon commute as the closure is anticipated to continue for several hours.
Throughout the day, updates have been provided. By 11:00 a.m., reports indicated that both northbound and southbound lanes of Route 1 remained closed between Route 72 (Wrangle Hill Road) and the Roth Bridge due to the incident.
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One northbound lane was reopened around the time of those updates. Currently, only the left lane on the northbound side is taken out.
At 2:30 the HAZMAT part of the incident was declared under control. Crews are now working to clear the vehicles involved and will likely make repairs to the safety barrier before reponing the road.
No injuries have been reported in connection to this crash.