Westbound highway open following fuel spill in Nauwigewauk: NBEMO

There is some traffic moving on a New Brunswick highway after a fuel tanker spill.

A portion of a highway in Nauwigewauk, N.B., remains closed Friday following a fuel spill.

The New Brunswick government says containment and remedial work is ongoing on Route 1.

“The area remains closed today to ensure the safety of remediation crews and travellers,” reads an email statement from the province.

Around 2:30 p.m., the province said the westbound lane of the highway is now open.

Police closed Route 1 at kilometre marker 152, between Hampton and Quispamsis, in both directions around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday following a collision.

Reports from the area indicate a double-long fuel truck overturned on the highway.

“A local detour remains available to passenger vehicles only due to weight restrictions. Truck traffic is required to use Route 2 and Route 7 for alternate routing. People are encouraged to stay informed by visiting NB511.ca or by calling 511,” reads a social media post by New Brunswick’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

EMO says an estimated 36,000 litres of fuel spilled.

“The Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) and remediation contractors continue to take steps to mitigate any potential impacts to the public, the environment and nearby infrastructure,” reads a statement from the New Brunswick government Thursday afternoon.

“DELG inspectors are in the process of visiting homes in the area, and so far, have not identified any impacts”

DELG and consulting firm Local Government will be conducting inspections along the nearby waterway and visiting homeowners in the Smithtown-Lakeside area.

“The intent is to help assess this area and gather pertinent information (homeowner contact details and well depth information) to determine where to collect well water samples,” reads the statement.

“Gasoline spills can contaminate groundwater, which may affect drinking water safety, especially for homes using private wells. This process helps ensure any risks are identified early and addressed.”

Inspectors will leave a card with contact information at residences when homeowners are not present.

Anyone who does not want to receive a visit can call the Saint John Regional Office at 506-658-2558.

There is no word on what caused the crash.

Hampton Fire Rescue says the driver was trapped inside the cab of the tractor.

“The patient was successfully removed and transferred into the care of Ambulance New Brunswick,” reads a post on social media.

“Due to the complexity of the incident and the presence of leaking fuel, crews remained on scene for approximately 12 hours working to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of the public and environment.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Natalie Lombard

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.