Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Turnpike Reopens After Accident, Fuel Spill

An accident that occurred on the turnpike in Plum just before 5 a.m. closed all westbound lanes after a fuel spill but all lanes are open now.

The westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike between Monroeville and Allegheny Valley has reopened after an accident involving a tractor-trailer occured early Thursday morning.

At around 4:40 p.m., state police responded to mile marker 49 in Plum Borough after the driver of the tractor-trailer rolled over and blocked both lanes of traffic.

According to a 9:32 a.m. update from the PA Turnpike Commission, all traffic must exit the turnpike at the Pittsburgh/Monroeville exit at this time. A previous update just before 7:30 a.m. said only the right lane was blocked.

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According to an accident report, the driver lost control while negotiating a downhill curve during a heavy rainstorm and struck a guardrail on the right side of the road. The tractor-trailer then crossed both westbound lanes and hit the concrete median barrier, which caused it to rollover.

Hazmat crews responded because the tractor-trailer was leaking fuel.

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The truck driver was not injured, according to the police report, and the accident is under investigation. Charges have not been filed.

Drivers must follow this alternate route:

Exit the Turnpike at the Pittsburgh exit 57, and use the following detour:

Take I-376 West (16 miles) to I-279 North (Ft. Duquesne Bridge), bear right on bridge (I-279 North) to SR 28 North exit. Stay on SR 28 North (23 miles) to Harmarville Exit, Rt 910 East (1/10 mile). Make a left on to Freeport Road (7/10 miles) and re-enter PA Turnpike at the Allegheny Valley Interchange (48/Old 5). Follow signs to Ohio and West.

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