Accident closes I-12 for hours
Wreck sparks long backup, big frustation
DENHAM SPRINGS — Traffic on Livingston’s two main thoroughfares was backed up for miles for a 12-hour stretch Wednesday after an 18-wheeler overturned on Interstate 12.
Dozens of additional accidents occurred as a result of the bumper-to-bumper rerouted traffic, authorities said.
After the driver of a tractor-trailer carrying compressed containers of plastic bags lost control of the rig, it flipped near O’Neal Lane, blocking both westbound lanes around 3 a.m., State Police said.
The wreck clogged traffic on I-12 and U.S. 190 until around 3 p.m. Cars and trucks backed up nearly to the town of Livingston, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The accident occurred in an area of I-12 where road construction has resulted in a temporary curve, authorities said.
The rig “flipped a couple of times and came to rest with the cab on the median” and the trailer blocking both westbound traffic lanes, said Russell Graham of State Police Troop A.
The driver, who was booked with careless operation, suffered no serious injuries, Graham said.
Eastbound traffic was restored after the cab was removed, but westbound traffic on I-12 remained blocked until crews could unload and move the trailer, authorities said.
State Police rerouted westbound, I-12 traffic at Juban Road to U.S. 190. By 9:30 a.m., U.S. 190 had backed up to Satsuma as motorists, stopping and starting, inched their way through Walker and Denham Springs and across the Amite River Bridge.
Additional wrecks slowed the traffic crawl even more, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office reported.
Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jason Ard said his deputies worked four wrecks at the same time.
Some days, deputies don’t work even one accident, but while I-12 was closed Wednesday, they ended up handling 20 crashes, Ard said.
Walker Police Chief Hunter Grimes said his officers investigated eight wrecks in the traffic snarled as a result of the I-12 accident.
In Denham Springs, Capt. Steve Kistler said he was aware of at least four accidents in his jurisdiction during the traffic rerouting.
Denham Springs held officers over from one shift, brought officers in early for the next shift and called in off-duty officers to help with traffic control, he said.
“We need another bridge” over the Amite River, Kistler said, adding that when I-12 is closed, there is no alternative for drivers to use other than U.S. 190.
Officers in both Denham Springs and Walker manned major intersections in order to try to keep local roadways open in all directions.
State Police identified the driver of the 18-wheeler as Luis Hernandez-Garcia, 48, of San Antonio, Texas.