Dover tractor-trailer rollover off Spaulding Turnpike spills 60,000 pounds of garbage

DOVER — A tractor-trailer carrying 60,000 pounds of garbage rolled over at the intersection of the Spaulding Turnpike and Knox Marsh Road Wednesday morning, snarling traffic for hours on the busy roadway, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Police said the driver was attempting to merge westbound onto Knox Marsh Road from the northbound Exit 8W off ramp, but instead drove over the granite curbing, made an overcorrection and overturned the fully loaded trailer on its side about 10:15 a.m.

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The driver, who is from Lynn, Massachusetts, reported minor injuries and was medically cleared, police said. Police said negligent driving appeared to be a factor in the accident, adding it remained under investigation.

Police said the roadway closure was due to the hours it took to load the garbage into separate containers before the tractor-trailer could be lifted back onto its wheels.

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State Police said they were assisted by Dover Fire and Rescue, Dover police and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Police at mid-afternoon said the Exit 8W off ramp remained closed and there were significant traffic backups on Knox Marsh Road. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover tractor-trailer rollover by Exit 8 on Spaulding Turnpike