Overturned truck closes Route 15 in East Hartford

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- An overturned truck and a gluey spill closed a section of Route 15 in East Hartford Monday morning, causing headaches for commuters who use the Charter Oak Bridge.

The crash at Exit 90 on Route 15 happened around 4:30 a.m. That's right by the bridge by East River Drive. The truck overturned, spilling some glue-like substance over the highway.

Police also closed the Exit 57 ramp from I-84 westbound, so drivers were not able to get on the bridge.

The road and ramp were both back open to traffic by early afternoon.

Officials explained that polyacrylamide, a substance to make glue, was contained in the truck. About 25 gallons leaked out, leaving the road more slippery than sticky.

"We have a small release of the polyarcylamide and also a diesel fuel spill. both of which have traveled down the shoulder of the roadway into a catch basin," said Jeff Chandler of DEEP's Emergency Response Unit. "We are still examining how, along on that catch basin, it has impacted, if at all."

The driver of the truck was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was also issued an infraction for failing to stay in lane.

One commuter from Farmington told News 8 his commute was more than twice as long as usual.