Tractor-Trailer Crash Scatters Lumber Across I-91 South in Hartford

All travel lanes have reopened on Interstate 91 southbound in Hartford after a tractor-trailer rolled over on the highway and lost its entire load of lumber Tuesday afternoon, according to state police.

The highway was closed for more than an hour between exits 27 and 29 while emergency crews worked to remove debris from the road. One lane reopened just prior to 4:30 p.m. and the remaining lanes were cleared by 5:30 p.m.

Police said no other vehicles were involved in the crash. According to state police, the truck overturned when the driver lost control, scattering pieces of lumber across the highway. The driver was not seriously hurt.

The crash has heavily impacted rush hour traffic, and the state Department of Transportation urged drivers to take a different route.

"The Department of Transportation and the State Police are working as quickly as possible to clear the road for safe travel. However, significant delays are expected to continue into the evening rush hour," the DOT said in a statement late Tuesday afternoon. "The DOT urges residents to take alternative roads home and avoid I-91 South – north of exit 27 – for the next several hours."

A spokesperson for the DOT said crews expect to remain at the scene for several hours working to clean up the mess.

Hartford police said city streets adjacent to I-91 were also backed up following the crash. Police encouraged drivers to allow for extra travel time.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

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