I-94 reopens after being closed near Albertville for hours

A crash involving a tanker truck is causing major headaches for weekend travelers returning to the Twin Cities area.

Last update: July 12, 2009 - 9:43 PM

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Interstate 94 near Albertville reopened just after 8 p.m. Sunday, nine hours after a crash involving a tanker truck filled with fuel closed down lanes in both directions, causing major headaches for weekend travelers.

The truck overturned shortly after 11 a.m., spilling fuel onto the roadway and resulting in the closure, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Crews succeeded in removing the fuel from the truck by 6 p.m. and then were able to get the truck upright.

Eastbound traffic was detoured along Hwy. 25 at Monticello to Big Lake, then on Hwy. 10 to Elk River, then on Hwy. 101 south back to I-94 Rogers. Westbound traffic was detoured on the same highways in the opposite direction.

State Patrol Lt. Matt Langer said the crash occurred when a car tried to make an illegal U-turn, somehow causing the tanker to roll over. The driver suffered noncritical injuries. The driver who made the U-turn may be cited, Langer said.

During the summer, I-94 is a major thoroughfare for travelers to weekend cabins and camping spots, and its closing slowed down thousands of drivers as they headed home from weekend visits.

ABBY SIMONS