Detours in Place on Loop 287 in Lufkin after 18-Wheeler Rollover
Traffic delays on the east Loop 287 in Lufkin are occurring after a wreck involving an 18-wheeler took place this afternoon.
The City of Lufkin Police Department is reporting that the southbound lanes of east Loop 287 are shut down near the Denman Avenue intersection due to this single-vehicle accident involving an overturned 18-wheeler. The truck came to rest on its side on the southbound side of Loop 287, adjacent to Southern Chrysler Dodge Jeep.
According to this report, motorists are being allowed to travel Denman Avenue, but that portion of Loop 287 will remain closed to allow for cleanup. Even though the wreck is on the southbound side of the loop, there are major delays being reported on the northbound side of the loop. Lufkin Police report that as of 1:45 p.m., northbound traffic is currently backed up to the Chestnut Street intersection.
Unless your travel plans specifically take you to the east side of the Loop towards Huntington, your best options may be to take Business 59 through Lufkin or take the West Loop 287 as a detour.
The truck was carrying a substance that leaked onto the highway, but the substance is not hazardous. The product is oil-based meaning proper cleanup will be required to prevent slick road conditions. This will add to the overall time of the clean up operation.
The Texas Department of Transportation along with the City of Lufkin Street Department are on the scene. Emergency responders are also on-site to help direct traffic.
Thankfully, no major injuries were reported in this accident.