Big rig hauling manure overturns near Merced, causing traffic closure, CHP says

An overturned big rig closed a section of Thornton Road just outside Merced on Tuesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to the collision just after 10 a.m. at the intersection of Thornton Road and Highway 140, west of the City of Merced, according to CHP Officer Noe Lomeli.

Lomeli said a 65-year-old Dos Palos man was driving a 2014 Peterbilt eastbound on Highway 140, hauling about 80,000 pounds of manure. As the driver attempted to make a right turn to travel south on Thornton Road, the tractor and trailer overturned.

According to the CHP the driver was not injured in the collision. Lomeli said the scene was considered a hazardous materials spill due to leaking oil and fuel, some of which has been absorbed by the manure.

According to Lomeli, speed may have been a factor in the collision.

Thornton Road was closed between Highway 140 and Lopes Avenue and authorities estimate cleanup would take several hours.