Oil Spill From Big Rig Slows Freeway Traffic

Southbound traffic on the Golden State Freeway near Pyramid Lake was slowed for most of the day Sunday as cleanup crews mopped up oil spilled from an overturned tractor-trailer, the California Highway Patrol said.

The big rig, which carried 3,600 gallons of crude oil, flipped over after a collision with a car about 8:11 a.m. on the southbound freeway five miles north of Templin Highway, CHP Officer Garry Goldenberg said. Only minor injuries were reported.

Oil began leaking from the truck and at one point forced the closure of all four lanes on the southbound side.

For most of the day, traffic was restricted to two lanes as crews cleaned up the spill. The remaining lanes were opened about 6 p.m., Goldenberg said, adding that additional work on the freeway shoulder will continue today.