Delays continue into afternoon after dump truck blows tire, spills load along Route 78

CLINTON — The all-day delays created by an overturned dump truck on Route 78 despite lighter volume for the Good Friday holiday will continue into the afternoon commute.

State Police spokesman Trooper Alejandro Goez said the truck traveling west flipped into the center median near Exit 18 for Route 22  around 6:30 a.m. after its left front tire blew out.

An additional lane was opened around 3 p.m., according to Goez, but the left lane could remain closed for more hours in order to remove the truck. Route 22 also picked up extra traffic from drivers trying to avoid the delays on Route 78.

A photo posted by the Township of Clinton's Division of Fire shows that the truck dumped its load of dirt.

A hazardous material team was called in for a fuel spill, according to Goez, who said the driver suffered minor injuries but was not hospitalized .

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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