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Wednesday tanker spill disrupts
Idaho 55 traffic

Idaho 55, one of the state's primary north-south routes from Boise was closed for 15 hours Wednesday after a tank containing jet fuel overturned about two miles north of Gardena.

ITD crews worked quickly to contain 2,000 gallons of fuel that spilled from the punctured tanker, and prevent the highly flammable liquid from reaching the scenic Payette River. A single lane of traffic was restored to the highway Wednesday at approximately 10 p.m., guided by pilot car.

Concerns over ground contamination prompted excavation of a large area on the highway's western shoulder and part of the southbound lane Thursday. Soil samples were taken to Boise to determine the extent of fuel penetration. The route – which carries heavy weekend recreational travel – will be limited to one-way traffic at least through this weekend.

No one was injured in the crash.