PHOTOS/VIDEO: Toxic Chemical Spill Closes Atlanta Interstate 75/85

A crash between an SUV and a tractor-trailer resulted in a toxic chemical spill that forced the closure of Interstates 75 and 85 in Atlanta, Georgia, early Monday morning. Local NBC affiliate 11Alive reported that as of three a.m., the Georgia Department of Transportation closed all six northbound lanes I-75-85 northbound corridor, and eventually closed the southbound lanes as well.

The truck was carrying benzoyl chloride, which GDOT said is not considered life-threatening but has a very foul odor. Firefighters had to don HAZMAT suits in order to safely deal with the spill.

Atlanta’s traffic (which under ordinary circumstances is the fourth-worst in the United States, according to a February report by the transportation firm INRIX) has already been far worse than usual, ever since a fire last month caused a bridge collapse in both directions on Interstate 85. Monday’s chemical spill was about two miles south of the still-missing bridge.

This Post was deleted by the Post author. Learn more

State transportation officials said the highways would likely remain closed for at least six hours.

Commuters are advised to find alternate routes to work, or arrange to go in late or work from home.

Read More