The southbound exit ramp to Blichton Road (U.S. 27) in Ocala was closed on Monday night after a tractor-trailer crashed on Interstate 75, spilling hazardous materials onto the roadway.
At around 11:15 p.m., a tractor-trailer carrying a load of rock-form sulfur was traveling southbound on I-75 in the right lane. A sedan was also heading southbound in the center lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol incident report.
FHP stated that the driver of the tractor-trailer, a 38-year-old man from Pensacola, failed to observe the sedan. When he attempted to move into the center lane, the left side of the tractor-trailer struck the right side of the sedan.
After the collision, the tractor-trailer swerved towards the right and struck the concrete barrier wall on the right shoulder of the U.S. 27 overpass. The trailer then detached from the cab, rolled over the barrier wall, and spilled its load onto U.S. 27 as it came to a final rest on the embankment.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries. There were no injuries sustained by the driver of the sedan, identified in the report as a 21-year-old woman from Anthony.
All lanes were closed on U.S. 27 following the crash as crews cleaned up the spill. According to the Ocala Police Department, over 21 tons of sulfur fertilizer spilled onto the roadway, and multiple agencies assisted with the cleanup efforts.
As of 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, OPD stated that one westbound lane on U.S. 27 is open. The southbound I-75 exit onto U.S. 27 is also open, though vehicles can only travel westbound onto U.S. 27. Traffic is currently being detoured at NW 38th Avenue, and all eastbound lanes on U.S. 27 from NW 38th Avenue are still blocked.
Due to the crash, FHP encourages motorists in Alachua and Marion Counties to utilize the following routes prior to entering the Ocala area:
- Alachua County: State Road 26, State Road 24, State Road 121, and County Road 234.
- Marion County: County Road 318 and State Road 326.
While traveling these alternate roadways, motorists are urged to use caution due to potential traffic congestion.