Merrimack Valley

95 North closed indefinitely


Published: July 6, 2009

NEWBURYPORT -- A fuel spill on the northbound lanes Interstate 95 a quarter-mile north of Route 113 in Newburyport has closed the highway indefinitely.

Officials at the scene are saying the northbound lanes could be closed all day due to the massive fuel spill, which is being contained by sandbags and foam, while a fire truck pumps water and foam onto the tanker, which is still sitting on its side.

Officials fear some fuel may be leaking into the Merrimack River and into backyards near the accident.

All traffic has been rerouted around the incident. Northbound traffic is being directed to I-495. Southbound traffic is limited to one lane, is being sent to

Route 113 and Route 1, causing side roads in Newbury and Newburyport to fill quickly.

MassHighway is currently evaluating whether to allow trucks over the Hines Bridge, which currently has a 3 ton weight limit due to recent repairs.

Access to nearby overpasses, including Ferry Lane, is also blocked. The neighborhoods around the accident are dealing with gas fumes and other possible impacts from the spill.

All four lanes of traffic were immediately closed when the tanker rolled over at about 9:15 a.m., spilling as much as 200 gallons of fuel. As many as two other cars may have been involved. A Jeep rolled over on its side and is sitting in a southbound lane, with a tarp over it. One person was Medflighted from the scene. Other individuals were transported to Portsmouth Hospital and Anna Jaques Hospital.

A foam truck is on the scene, as well as Enpro, an environmntal cleanup company. The state Department of Environmental Protection is currently building burms around storm drains to limit leakage into the river. The Coast Guard is also monitoring the spill.