Traffic Being Rerouted Around Ankeny Chemical Spill, Assistance Available to Those Living Nearby (UPDATE)

Ankeny motorists are strongly encouraged to find an alternative route for their afternoon commute following a non-toxic chemical spill that occurred on Southeast Delaware Avenue earlier this afternoon.

Southbound traffic on Southeast Delaware Avenue currently is being diverted to Southeast Ninth Street and northbound traffic is being diverted to Southeast Kensington, said a press release issued by the city of Ankeny at approximately 3 p.m.

For those who live in the affected area, crews will be available to assist drivers in getting to their homes.

City crews are still working to clean up the spill, the release said. It is anticipated cleanup will take approximately 3-5 hours.

The intersection is expected to reopen by 7 p.m.

Original story, published 1:57 p.m.

Portions of two Ankeny roads have been shut down due to a non-toxic chemical spill that occurred this afternoon, according to an alert posted by the city of Ankeny.

Southeast Delaware Avenue between Kensington and Southeast Ninth Street has been closed to traffic, as well as Magazine Road at Delaware Avenue until the situation is resolved.

According to a post made by the city on its Facebook page, the , with the assistance of the and the , is currently cleaning up the large spill.

Stick with Ankeny Patch for updates as more information becomes available.