Southbound lanes of I-95 are expected to be reopened within the next 30 minutes after a hazardous materials incident has been contained.

At approximately 11:45 a.m. today, the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a hazardous materials incident on Interstate 95. Southbound lanes of I-95 were immediately closed at mile marker 140. All traffic was rerouted at exits 140 and 143 to Route 1 south.

The incident involved a leak from a 53-foot box truck containing various chemicals. HazMat teams have determined that the chemical leaking is Nitric Acid, which was contained in one of the 55-gallon drums on the truck. Other drums containing PCBs, Mercury and Hydrochloric Acid were also on the truck. The HazMat team is currently isolating the damaged drum and fire rescue personnel plan to open southbound lanes within the next 30 minutes.

“The objectives of this incident are to minimize environmental impact and to ensure the safety of our community,” said Stafford Fire and Rescue Chief Rob Brown. “As the afternoon goes on, we need to mitigate the impact on the evening rush hour traffic.”

No areas have been evacuated and personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Stafford Sheriff’s Office, Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia State Police remain on the scene.

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