ATLANTA — What was thought to be a hazardous material spill shut down a busy stretch of Interstate 285 in East Point Wednesday evening.
A tractor-trailer was hauling canisters of material when the driver noticed something was leaking out of the truck. He called 911 and officers realized the substance had leaked onto two miles of the interstate between Camp Creek Parkway and Washington Road.
Authorities feared the substance was hazardous and shut down the interstate.
The incident prompted a nightmare commute beginning at 5:30 p.m. for drivers on I-285 south and drivers stuck on Camp Creek Parkway trying to get onto the interstate. The exit was eventually shut down and drivers were forced to take an alternate route.
Jordan White said the traffic backup caused her to miss her flight, but other drivers said the delay was just a part of life.
Authorities later determined the material was not toxic or hazardous as first feared.
Traffic began to move slowly late Wednesday after four hours of gridlock.
WSBTV
