Hazmat situation on I-55: All northbound, southbound lanes reopened

HODGKINS, Ill. - A hydrogen peroxide leak on the Stevenson Expressway led to several lane closures on Friday as crews worked to clean up the roadway.

Just before 6 p.m., officials reopened all northbound and southbound lanes.

A disabled semi on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of I-55 started leaking hydrogen peroxide around 8 a.m. near LaGrange Road, according to the Illinois State Police.

The semi was carrying organic peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide solution. 

Officials say the truck swerved after a car cut off the driver, causing the chemicals to shift. This caused a puncture in three 55-gallon drums full of organic peroxide, causing a leak and a chemical reaction. 

Initially, as hazmat crews arrived, only the outbound lanes were shut down. However, around 11 a.m., ISP also closed all inbound lanes as an abundance of caution.

In addition to Illinois State Police, multiple nearby agencies were working to clear the scene, including the Summit Fire Department.

No injuries were reported.

Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes until the roadway is fully reopened.