All lanes open on I-20 in Newton County after tractor-trailer accident

By Larry Hartstein and Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

All lanes have been reopened on I-20 in Newton County after a tractor-trailer housing a minimal amount of sodium chloride overturned.

The tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound when it ran off the interstate and overturned at the Social Circle Road bridge overpass around 5:30 a.m.

According to reports, the truck was carrying chlorine powder, bleach, plants, Starbucks coffee and coffee cups.

The Newton County Fire Department and a hazardous materials team from the Walton County Fire Department responded.

Traffic flow on I- 20 was shut down for approximately four hours until one lane of traffic in both directions was opened up around 9:30 a.m., police said. All lanes reopened by 3:30 p.m.

Newton County Deputy Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien said if the chlorine had mixed with the bleach or the leaked oil, there was a potential for an explosion. Fortunately that did not happen, and the driver suffered only scrapes and bruises.

The interstate east of Ga. 11 was closed for more than three hours.

-- Staff photographer John Spink contributed to this report.