TOPEKA — I-70 in east Topeka will remain closed until at least noon today because of a fatal crash involving a tanker truck and a hazardous chemical spill. The tanker rolled over. The Kansas Department of Transportation said the tanker spilled its contents, which news reports say is roofing tar, in both east and westbound lanes, causing the shutdown of most of I-70 in downtown and eastern Topeka. The highway is closed from the 4th Street interchange to the California Avenue interchange. Hazard materials teams are trying to contain and clean up the spill. KDOT said downtown motorists may find parts of 10th Street near 70 closed because of the crash. Traffic from the Kansas Turnpike heading for eastern Topeka is being detoured to K-4 west of the city. In addition, an accident involving a semi-truck has closed northbound U.S. 69 in Linn County near 399th Street this morning.
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7:30 a.m.; updated, 8 a.m.; updated 9 a.m.
