UPDATE: All roads now open (I-75 South exit ramp closed at US Hwy. 27)

UPDATE: All of the roads are now open.

ORIGINAL POST:

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) issued a motorist advisory late Monday warning drivers of the closure of the exit ramp at Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 27 after a semi-trailer flipped off the interstate and spilled a load of rock-form sulfur.

According to an FHP press release, the 11:50 p.m. crash occurred when the semi, driven by a 38-year-old man traveling southbound, attempted to move from the right lane to the center lane and “failed to observe” a sedan in the center lane, which was being driven by a 21-year-old woman.

The driver of the semi-trailer swerved back and struck the concrete barrier at the U.S. 27 overpass and the trailer detached, rolled over the barrier and spilled the contents.

The press release indicated the semi driver sustained minor injuries. The driver of the sedan was not injured. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

U.S. Highway 27 was closed for a time for cleanup and FHP has advised that the interstate exit ramp will be “closed until further notice.” The advisory encourages motorists to plan alternate routes, including County Roads 318 and 326.

Midday on Tuesday, FHP Troop B Public Affairs Officer Lt. P. V. Riordan said, “Cleanup of a load of sulfur continues” and there currently was no estimated time for the road to be completely reopened. “Currently, the north and southbound on ramps are open.”

Also on Tuesday, Ocala Police Department Public Information Officer Jeff Walczak said the eastbound lanes on Blitchton Road were being detoured onto I-75 southbound and that Exit 354 onto Blitchton Road/US. Highway 27 remains closed and one westbound lane on Blitchton Road is open.

“Drivers can utilize NW 60th Ave. to avoid traffic,” he wrote in a text. “All lanes on Blichton Rd. (US Hwy 27) near the I-75 interchange are blocked due to hazardous materials spill on the roadway. Please use an alternate route in your travels since this area of Blitchton Rd. will be closed for several hours. Vehicles can enter I-75 northbound lanes from Blitchton Rd. The southbound I-75 exit at Blitchton Rd. is blocked,” Walczak stated.

The OPD press release indicated the spill involved 21 tons of sulphur fertilizer and that the Florida DEP was one of several agencies that responded to the incident.

“Please find an alternate route and drive safe,” Walczak stated.

For the most recent updates, find the OPD on Facebook.