Tractor-trailer leak shuts I-78 eastbound lanes for hours Wednesday in Hunterdon County, state police say

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — State police shut down all eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County on Wednesday night after a tractor-trailer was reported leaking methanol, but hazmat crews later determined the liquid was a cleaning agent, a New Jersey State Police spokesman said.

Troopers responded at 9:32 p.m. to I-78 east at milepost 19.2 in Clinton Township, said SFC Charles Marchan. When a trooper arrived, the tractor-trailer was on the right shoulder and a clear liquid was leaking onto the highway, Marchan said.

Because of the location of the leak and the type of chemical initially reported, all eastbound lanes were closed and traffic was diverted off nearby exits, Marchan said. EMS, fire and hazmat teams, the Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department of Transportation responded to assist, he said.

Hazmat crews determined the liquid was a cleaning agent, Marchan said. The right lane remained closed for about three hours while crews completed cleanup of the liquid.

No injuries were reported and no additional information was immediately available, Marchan said.