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Highway shut down after hazardous chemical spill

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Posted at 3:49 PM, Jul 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-05 17:49:12-04

Oregon Highway 78, also known as the Steens Highway, is closed in both directions due to a single vehicle truck crash, according to Oregon Department of Transportation officials.

The accident took place near milepost 27 in Harney County shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

The truck was transporting hazardous materials, specifically sulfuric/battery acid packaged in plastic bags.

“The highway is closed southbound near milepost 15, sixteen miles east of Burns at the junction of South Harney County Road and northbound at mile post 28, the junction of Crane-Buchanan Road,” said ODOT spokesman Tom Strandberg.

The accident is under investigation.

All travelers will need to use alternate routes.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The closure is expected to continue throughout Tuesday and possibly extend into Wednesday morning, Strandberg added.

Drivers are urged to check www.TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368 for update highway conditions. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.