Tanker tips on I-75 ramp, closes exit

An overturned tractor-trailer closed down the I75 northbound exit ramp at U.S. 441in Alachua Saturday.

ALACHUA – The northbound exit ramp at U.S. 441 was blocked Saturday following a single-vehicle accident.

 Israel Rivera-Colon, 55, of Haines City, Fla., was driving a tractor-trailer transporting a tanker on Interstate 75. While trying to follow the exit ramp, Rivera-Colon overturned the 2007 International tractor on its driver’s side at about 6 a.m., according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) records.  

The exit ramp was closed, but the FHP encouraged alternate routes at the State Road 222 exit at the 390 mile post, or the County Road 236 exit at the 404 mile post.

Rivera-Colon was taken to North Florida Regional Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries. He was cited for careless driving, which carries a $154 fine in Alachua County. He will also get points on his license, said FHP spokeswoman Tracy Hisler-Pace. His vehicle sustained about $78,000 worth of damage.

Hisler-Pace said she wasn't aware of any hazardous material in the tanker.

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