Authorities closed southbound Interstate 294 between 95th and 127th streets for hours Tuesday after a tanker truck containing hydrochloric acid overturned on the tollway.
The southbound lanes were closed through the evening rush hour, with officials telling motorists to find another way through the area. The road reopened about 8 p.m.
The tanker turned over and blocked all three lanes of traffic after a vehicle made an illegal U-turn in its path at 11:43 a.m. at 127th Street, Illinois State Police Trooper Michelle Kistulinec said.
Two lanes of northbound I-294 also were closed for a time to allow tollway maintenance crews to divert traffic between 95th Street and the overturned tanker.
Authorities had to empty the tanker before it could be removed, and hazardous materials crews are busy cleaning chemicals, including gasoline, off the highway.
Kistulinec said the driver of the truck suffered minor injuries in the crash, which is still under investigation. She said she hopes the lanes will be open by 8 p.m.
All vehicles are being forced to exit at 95th Street, Kistulinec said. All drivers coming from Interstate 88 who planned to travel on southbound 294 to reach eastbound Interstate 80 are encouraged to use Interstate 355 instead.
