A semitrailer crash early Monday closed U.S Highway 160/491 a few miles south of Cortez, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred sometime after 6:30 a.m. when a tractor-trailer jackknifed and overturned, blocking both lanes of the highway near County Road D and County Road E, Sheriff Steve Nowlin said.
Sheriff deputies diverted traffic at mile marker 33, routing drivers from U.S. 491 onto County Road C, then north on County Road 21 to County Road G before rejoining the highway, according to the sheriff, as well as drivers at the scene.
No injuries have been reported. About 11:10 a.m., the highway was opened to traffic, with both lanes clear of debris.
“There were two people involved from what I understand but no injuries,” Nowlin said. “(Colorado) State Patrol is handling the crash investigation.”
Hazardous materials crews responded Monday morning as a precaution after diesel fuel leaked from the truck’s saddle tanks. Nowlin said he believed the spill was limited to diesel fuel and did not involve oil or gasoline.
This article has been updated to reflect newer information as it became available.
