Asphalt spill closes lane of Hwy. 14 west of Brookings

One lane of Highway 14 west of Brookings was closed for about two hours Tuesday because of spilled asphalt.

Assistant Brookings County Sheriff Scott Sebring says it was reported at about 7:30 am between 469th and 466th Avenue. He says a semi lost a load of hot asphalt on the roadway. There was a mechanical malfunction and the belly door of the trailer opened, spilling asphalt onto the westbound lane for about two-and-a-half miles.

Bowes Construction and the South Dakota Department of Transportation responded to the location and removed the asphalt from the concrete roadway. After cleaning. there does not appear to be any permanent damage to the surface. The cost to quickly repair
the roadway is still being estimated.

Charges are pending against the driver of the truck for having a loose or shifting load, a Class Two Misdemeanor.

July 19, 2023