Northeast News
June 7, 2013

Crews are continuing to clean up a tanker tractor-trailer crash on I-70 at I-435. The semi-tanker overturned early this morning blocking both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 at I-435.

Damage to the semi-tanker’s valves is adding to the challenge of unloading hazardous, flammable material from the semi.

MoDOT said reopening the interstate may not occur until well after 8 p.m. tonight, based on revised estimates of the dangerous nature of the cleanup.

Workers and emergency personnel are exercising extreme caution, investigating the safest way to remove potentially explosive liquid from the damaged tanker. Safety of the public and of responders to this incident are the highest priority until the dangers posed by the cleanup are neutralized, MoDOT said.

MoDOT has staged equipment and replacement materials on site, ready for highway restoration as soon as material cleanup and tractor-trailer removal allow.

Fans coming to tonight’s Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium from eastbound and westbound I-70 should find alternative routes. Route 40 will be heavily congested this afternoon and well into this evening by all I-70 traffic diverted from the interstate. I-435 may offer the best access to Truman Sports Complex and Kauffman Stadium. Those heading to the game should leave much earlier than planned. For up-to-the-minute views of the unfolding cleanup, visit www.kcscout.org.