After more than 14 hours of work, the section of I-26 closed for hours due to a fatal crash on Wednesday is back open Thursday afternoon.
The NCDOT said there were minimal environmental impacts thanks to several factors, involving what was spilled and the surrounding work zone. Crews were called in to clear the spill after the crash involving two tractor-trailers, pouring sand, milling and repaving the roadway.
The complex process backed up traffic, resulting in a 14-hour project to get the road back in good condition.
Jen Goodwin, a spokesperson with NCDOT said asphalt sealant was spilled along the roadway, a material which is described as a mixture of liquids including tar, clay, polymers and other additives.
"The good news was that there was some sand that was put down along the barrier wall that's already there for the bridge project and so that kept it from spreading and going where it shouldn't go," Goodwin said. "Plus, since it's an active work zone, there was some silt fencing that the bridge contractor had already put out for the project."
While investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash, what's known is that the incident happened in an active work zone. Goodwin emphasized the importance of work zone safety with drivers along I-26, asking drivers to be more aware in those areas, slow down their speed and watch for barrier walls and lane shifts.
"What we see sometimes is cars will try to avoid being close to that wall and will go a little closer to the center and sometimes just follow very closely," Goodwin said. "That's so important to reduce your speed when you're in a work zone for your own safety and the safety of the workers."
Troopers confirmed the identity of the deceased driver from Wednesday's crash Robert Copelan. His wife Kimberly Copelan, was a passenger, and as of Wednesday evening was confirmed to be in a local hospital.
News 13 reached out to Henderson County officials about the condition of Kimberly Copelan, and will update this story when we get more details.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSMinimal environmental impacts in I-26 multi-vehicle crash, NCDOT says (wlos.com)
