The westbound lanes of Highway 1 between Hampton and Quispamsis reopened Friday afternoon, two days after a tanker truck crashed.
The eastbound lanes are still closed to all traffic between kilometre markers 142 and 158.
The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization says containment and remedial work are ongoing at the spill site, and the highway remains closed to ensure the safety of remediation crews and travellers.
NBEMO stated yesterday that an estimated 36,000 litres of fuel spilled.
A local detour is available to passenger vehicles only due to weight restrictions. Truck traffic is encouraged to use Route 2 and Route 7 for alternate routing.
The Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) and remediation contractors continue to take steps to mitigate potential impacts on the public, the environment, and nearby infrastructure.
Inspectors are in the process of visiting homes in the area, and have not identified any impacts so far.
Inspections are being done along the nearby waterway, and officials are speaking with local homeowners.
The intent is to help assess this area and gather pertinent information (homeowner contact details and well depth information) to determine where to collect well water samples. Gasoline spills can contaminate groundwater, which may affect drinking water safety, especially for homes using private wells.
Residents and motorists are encouraged to stay informed by visiting NB511.ca or by calling 511. Updates will also be provided there when they are available.
Hampton, Kennebecasis Valley and Saint John fire departments responded to the scene on Wednesday afternoon, along with Saint John’s hazmat unit.
Firefighters were able to remove the driver from the cab after the crash.
There have been no updates on the driver’s condition.
