A tractor-trailer carrying about 40,000 pounds of liquid plastic overturned on I-285 southbound at Exit 46, the ramp to I-20 east, the Georgia Department of Transportation said.
The accident involving two tractor-trailers and no cars happened about 5 p.m., backing up traffic on I-285.
No injuries were reported.
Onboard the overturned tractor-trailer were 11 totes carrying 300 gallons of liquid plastic each, DeKalb County Fire Capt. Eric Jackson said.
The plastic is used to make fishing lures.
Of those 11 totes, nine ruptured in the accident, spilling about 2,700 gallons of liquid plastic onto the ramp.
Additional delays were reported on the outer loop about 6 p.m. from onlookers.
Shortly after 7 p.m., officials said cleanup would take several more hours and the ramp to I-20 would be closed through midnight.
Though hazardous materials specialists were included in the cleanup to provide perspective on environmental concerns, workers didn’t have to use special chemicals to clean the plastic on the surface of the road, GDOT spokeswoman Annalysce Baker said.
“They are just shoveling it up off the asphalt,” Baker said.
But, the process of scraping off the plastic damaged the asphalt and resurfacing was scheduled on the ramp, which is why the ramp was to remain closed through midnight.
Also, a sand truck had to be called in to help get the liquid off the road.
“The plastic is NOT hardening,” Baker wrote in an email. “It is gooey and clumpy. The sand will likely help with cleanup.”
A message on the electronic signs warn drivers to use alternate routes and all lanes are blocked on the ramp, Baker said.
The message is displayed on signs on I-285 southbound at Lawrenceville Highway and Covington Highway and on US 78 westbound at Hugh Howell Road, Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Brockett Road.
DeKalb County police were working on an approved detour about 8:30 p.m.
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