Overturned Truck Dumps Dirt Across Route 17, Closing Lanes: Police

PARAMUS, NJ — A portion of Route 17 was closed on Wednesday afternoon after an overturned dump truck spilled dirt across the highway.

Just before 1:30 p.m., according to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti, police responded to the truck, which rolled over on Route 17 northbound near Sears Drive.

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The truck, loaded with dirt, blocked all northbound lanes of traffic, Guidetti said.

Route 17 northbound was closed near Midland Avenue, and traffic was being diverted, Guidetti said just before 2 p.m.

The Bergen County Traffic Safety Unit and the New Jersey Department of Transportation were on the way to help with the scene, he said.

The driver told police he was traveling northbound in the center lane when he was cut off by another vehicle leaving Sears Drive, Guidetti said. To avoid a collision, he swerved, causing the truck to overturn, he told police.

He is being evaluated for minor injuries, Guidetti said.

Drivers are being asked to avoid that section of roadway as emergency workers clear the routes.