Both directions of I-71/75 shut down near Brent Spence

UPDATE: Access to the Roebling Suspension Bridge was being shut down overnight to keep heavy tractor trailers off of historic structure, with its low weight limits

COVINGTON, Ky. – Interstate 71-75 is closed in both directions for the time being after a tractor trailer carrying gasoline flipped on its side just south of the Brent Spence Bridge and began leaking from its trailer.

The accident happened about 11 p.m. Saturday evening in the southbound lanes, just south of the bridge.

A Code Red emergency alert was soon issued with instructions for everyone living or staying within a half mile of the scene to shelter in place.

As of 1:30 a.m., the Covington Fire Department and an array of emergency, environmental, and transportation agencies were at the scene, working to contain the spilled gasoline with sand, booms, and an absorbent material.

The truck was carrying 8,000 to 8,500 gallons and about 500 had leaked, although that was a rough estimate, said Covington Battalion Chief Joe Bowman. The fuel was on the interstate and leaking onto the City street below, he said.

Bowman said a company was on its way to pump out the fuel, hopefully before rain forecasted for the morning occurred.

He said it wasn’t clear how long the Code Red would be in effect, and how long the interstate would be closed.

Northbound traffic was being rerouted onto I-275 in Erlanger.

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