BURR RIDGE — A chaotic Tuesday morning commute unfolded on I-55 when a semi truck overturned near County Line Road, causing traffic backups stretching for miles and triggering a hazardous materials response for a leaking epoxy resin spill.
Truck Crash Shuts Down All Northbound Lanes
The crash occurred around 6:07 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the Stevenson Expressway, just outside Burr Ridge. Authorities quickly closed all lanes in the area as the truck lay sprawled across the roadway and shoulders, according to NBC Chicago.
The resulting closure caused traffic to bottleneck as far back as Bolingbrook, with delays expected to last several hours. “This area is jam packed,” said NBC traffic reporter Kye Martin, noting that even outbound lanes experienced slowdown due to onlooker delays.
Hazmat Crews Handle Epoxy Spill
According to CBS News Chicago, hazmat teams were deployed to the scene after the semi began leaking epoxy resin, a hazardous chemical used in adhesives and construction materials. Officials confirmed that the spill was contained, but the cleanup and safety precautions prolonged the traffic disruption.
The driver of the semi truck was transported to a nearby hospital, though their condition remains undisclosed.
Traffic Gridlock in Burr Ridge and Surrounding Suburbs
The crash led to hours-long backups, with traffic in and around Burr Ridge virtually frozen. Local officials advised commuters to seek alternate routes and avoid the I-55 corridor throughout the morning.
“Drivers are urged to exercise patience and plan for delays,” officials noted, as the crash scene remained active well into the late morning.
Unrelated Incident Adds to Morning Commute Woes
In a separate but similarly serious incident, Illinois State Police also responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on I-94 at Sibley near Dolton Avenue. That crash shut down southbound lanes in that area and further complicated morning travel for suburban and city commuters.
No Cause Identified Yet
As of Tuesday afternoon, investigators had not disclosed the cause of the semi truck crash. Police continue to investigate, and it’s unclear whether mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or other factors played a role.
Were you caught in the I-55 traffic gridlock Tuesday morning? Have you experienced delays on other major Chicagoland routes lately? Share your experience with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com in the comments.
