DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (WAFB) -
All lanes on I-12 West east of O'Neal Lane were reopened around 3 p.m. I-12 was shut down in both directions due to an overturned 18-wheeler early Wednesday morning.
Both directions of I-12 were blocked for several hours because a tractor trailer on I-12 West hit a guardrail at a lane shift and partially went over it between the O'Neal and Range exits in Denham Springs around 3 a.m.
The driver of the 18-wheeler was cited by authorities. The accident is causing heavy delays not only on the interstate, but also on the roadways that feed into it.
I-12 East was reopened a little after 8 a.m. I-12 West remains closed at Juban. Backups are to Satsuma. Cars are being detoured to US 190.
The Louisiana State Police said the tractor blocked I-12 East and the trailer blocked I-12 West. Crews worked to separate the tractor from the trailer. Once it was put back on its wheels and removed, those lanes were reopened.
Both lanes of I-12 West were initially closed at Range due to the accident, but then officials decided to block I-12 West at Juban around 5:20 a.m. to keep cars away as they worked to get the crash cleared.
The trailer had to first be turned upright, off-loaded and then removed before I-12 West was allowed to flow again. Trooper Russell Graham said the trailer was hauling plastic containers, nothing hazardous.
Graham said the driver was cited for careless operation. His name was not given. There were no serious injuries reported from the crash.
The Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the wreck, but police officers with a few departments in the area are assisting with traffic.
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Many drivers are dealing with a traffic nightmare after this 18-wheeler overturned on I-12.
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