Closed
US 285 Northbound / Southbound 11 Miles south of Fairplay (Antero Jct.) (Milemarker 172-172)
Closed because of accident involving haz materials. US 285 remains closed south of Fairplay due to a hazmat spill. Crews have been working on this spill since 6:23pm. There is no estimated time to reopen the road. Hourly updates can be found by dialing 511 on your phone. Road closure began March 23rd, 2012 at 6:23pm. Alternate route is US 24 and CO 9.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COLORADO STATE PATROL
NEWS RELEASE
Public Affairs Unit
700 Kipling St. Denver, CO 80215
Sergeant Michael Baker
Public Information Officer
(303) 239-4583
______________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: March 23, 2012 Time: 2020 hours
The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash resulting in a hazardous-materials incident on Highway 285, south of Fairplay. Shortly before 6 p.m., a 2002 Dodge pickup towing a trailer was traveling northbound near milepost 172; the trailer detached from the Dodge and overturned. As a result of the crash, the trailer reportedly spilled 10,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate.
Ammonium nitrate often is used in fertilizer and can act as an irritant if inhaled. Initial reports indicate that the spill has not endangered any ground-water supplies. First responders secured the scene and maintained a safe distance while ascertaining any potential danger caused by the spilled material. Although untrained personnel have been moved away from the scene, no evacuations have been reported.
A hazardous-materials crew from the Colorado State Patrol is en route to the scene from Golden. The Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Park County Sheriff’s Office, and local authorities are working together to ensure public safety as they contain the incident, investigate the crash, and clear the highway.
The roadway is closed in both directions with no projected time for reopening. Traffic has been rerouted temporarily, and VMS boards are notifying traffic of the closure and alternate routes.
The Dodge’s driver, 57-year-old Michael Martin of Buena Vista, was not injured during the crash.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fertilizer Spill Closes Highway 285 In Park County
10,000 Pounds Of Ammonium Nitrate Spill near Antero Junction
Posted by Wayne Harrison, Web Editor
UPDATED: 10:08 pm MDT March 23, 2012
Fertilizer Spill Closes Highway 285 In Park County
By Yesenia Robles
Posted: 03/23/2012 07:35:20
