Traffic is slowed along Interstate 287 in Somerset County as crews clean up a fuel spill
BRIDGEWATER -- A fiery crash involving two tractor trailers on I-287 in Bridgewater Tuesday morning was caused by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, State Police said.
The cleanup of the 2 a.m. crash, which left a fuel spill on the highway, continues to cause traffic delays in Somerset County through the morning commute, officials said.
The southbound local lanes remained closed to traffic as of 6:50 a.m., State Police said. All southbound traffic is being diverted to the express lanes.
Motorists headed from Interstate 78 east to 287 south are dealing with heavy traffic as of 7:30 a.m., according to 511NJ.com, the state department of transportation's traffic website.
The driver of a 2005 Mack truck fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended a 2003 Peterbilt at 2:03 a.m. on the outer roadway at milepost 19.6, State Police said.
The Mack truck caught fire and stopped in the median between the inner and outer roadways, according to Sgt. First Class Greg Williams.
The Peterbilt wound up on the right shoulder. Both drivers were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville to be treated for minor injuries.
The collision is still being investigated and charges are pending against the driver of the Mack truck. The names of the drivers were not released.
Northbound traffic on 287 is moving moving normally, Williams said.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.