I-80 Reopened
Partial closure imposed for several hours due to semi-truck fire
by Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
November 17, 2009
Interstate 80 eastbound at milepost 65 has been reopened to traffic following a semi truck fire at milepost 62.
The closure was put in place just before 9 a.m. (Tuesday, November 17th) when the fire was reported. The interstate was initially closed due to the truck fire, with a concern for a potential explosion should the fire spread to the trailer compartment with the vehicles inside, where the vapors from fuel in the gas tanks could have caused an explosion.
The vehicles inside the trailer were not damaged and the estimated value is $1.5 million. Inside the trailer compartment were ultra-luxury vehicles including a Lamborghini estimated to be worth $1 million, Ferrari, Corvette, and Dodge Viper, to name a few.
After workers were able to access the trailer compartment, they were able to determine the vehicles were not in danger and the passing lane was reopened while the vehicles were offloaded from the trailer.
With that completed, the interstate was reopened just before 10 a.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Editor’s Note: The closure took place on the east-bound lanes of Interstate 80 (I-80) at milepost 62 near the Granger exit in western Wyoming, where US 30 joins I-80. I-80 travelers can get current travel information for the Interstate through Wyoming by checking the WYDOT website for current status, www.wyoroad.info, or calling 5-1-1 in Wyoming, or toll-free nationwide: 1-888-996-7623.
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