Tractor-Trailer Rollover Closes Route 1 South

Route 1 South in Peabody was closed to traffic this afternoon after a tractor-trailer overturned on the highway in the middle of the jughandle.

The leftmost lane on the northbound side of the highway and two lanes on the southbound side were closed to traffic. Detours were put in place at Lowell Street (heading south) and also at the on-ramp onto Route 1 South from Route 114 in Danvers.

Peabody police issued their alert around 3 p.m. that the southbound side of the highway from Lowell Street down was closed until further notice.

The truck was a 22-wheeler and was found lying on its side after attempting to turn onto Route 1 South from the turnaround on the northbound side (the jughandle). What looked to be trash and debris had spilled out from the bed of the rig.

Police and fire officials at the scene said the driver was unhurt and was able to exit the vehicle on his own. An undetermined amount of gasoline did leak onto the roadway, which firefighters used bags of SpeedyDry to absorb.

The accident was first reported around 1:45 p.m. and numerous Peabody officers, state police, firefighters, state highway workers and tow operators were still at the scene as of 3:30 p.m.

It was unclear how long it might take to remove the truck from the middle of the roadway.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area if possible.