Some lanes reopen on I-285 after tractor-trailer crash in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Traffic was still backed up on a portion of Interstate 285 during the evening rush hour Monday, nearly twelve hours after a tractor-trailer crashed into a vehicle and brought Atlanta rush-hour traffic to a standstill.

The accident, which occurred on the interstate near MLK Jr. Drive, impacted traffic in both directions as Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) crews worked to get the wreckage removed.

Crews temporarily shut down the highway to remove the truck, which started leaking fuel onto the interstate, according to GDOT. With traffic slowed to a crawl, crews spent hours working to contain and clean up the oil spill.

By 11:10 a.m., all northbound lanes and two right southbound lanes were opened, but after 12 p.m., traffic was still slow-moving.

The tractor-trailer was traveling northbound when it ran over a pothole, lost control and hit the median, causing it to collide with a vehicle in the southbound lanes, Atlanta News First has learned.

It is unclear whether there are any injuries as of this time.

GDOT advised motorists to avoid the area if possible and to look for alternate routes while workers make repairs to the temporary median wall located in a construction zone.

This is a developing story. Stay with Atlanta News First for any updates.