Asphalt sealer spill on Route 59 clogs traffic in Warrenville

The two northbound lanes of Route 59 at Butterfield Road in Warrenville Road were closed for about two hours Wednesday after a tractor-trailer carrying asphalt sealant spilled some of its load.

Motorists were diverted at Ferry Road between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. as crews from the city and trucking company cleaned up the mess, Warrenville Police Cmdr. Pat Treacy said. Workers used sand and street sweepers to take care of the spill. The road sustained no physical damage, but it may be stained for some time, he said.

The unidentified driver for Hoffman Estates-based Plote Trucking was cited for failing to secure his load. Treacy said the company was using a flatbed trailer to haul dozens of five-gallon drums of the sealant when the spill occurred. Treacy said the driver told police he had to stop suddenly and that caused the drums to shift and topple.

No one was injured in the mishap. Treacy said the company will likely be billed by the city for the materials used to help clean up the spill. It's unclear how much the invoices will amount to.