TOPEKA, KS (KCTV) -
One person is dead following a crash on Interstate 70 near Topeka that shut down the highway for hours.
A tractor-trailer rig crashed near the Adams Street exit, killing the driver, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
The rig was hauling asphalt oil, which is considered a hazardous material. Some asphalt oil spilled, but the spill has been contained.
All eastbound and westbound lanes were closed from Fourth Street to California Avenue Interchange in east Topeka. The westbound lanes reopened about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday while the eastbound lanes weren't slated to reopen until later Tuesday.
Paul D. Cardwell, 57, of Abilene, Kan., was killed in the crash. Investigators still don't know why he lost control.
A crane arrived on the scene about noon to remove a demolished highway sign. The cleanup took hours.
The crash also closed west I-70 ramps from California Avenue and Adams Interchange and east ramps from 4th, 8th and 10th streets.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Oversized semi loads had to use the I-470 loop to access I-70/Kansas Turnpike.
The crash happened about 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Copyright 2011 KCTV. All rights reserved.
