Chicopee Curve crash cleared, ramp re-opened

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - State Police reopened the I-391 on-ramp to I-91 North after a big rig rollover  at the Chicopee Curve Friday night.  A tractor trailer crashed and rolled over along Interstate 91 northbound in Chicopee Friday afternoon, spilling vinyl siding onto the side of the road. Traffic was backed up on I-91 and I-391 as well.

The crash was reported after 2:30 in the area of the Chicopee Curve. Debris spilled onto the highway, forcing State Police to close the ramp from 391 Southbound to I-91 North.

State Police reopened the on-ramp around 9:00 pm Friday night, more than six hours after the accident.  Traffic was backed up for more than 8 miles at times on I-91 North, all the way back to the Connecticut state line.

Heavy equipment was brought in to clear the debris.

The driver of the tractor trailer, a man from Virginia, suffered minor injuries, and was taken to the hospital.

State Police told 22News he's been charged with speeding and not having his seat belt buckled.

You can see the conditions live on the Mass DOT Chicopee webcam

The Chicopee Curve is a sharp bend in the highway just before the Connecticut River Bridge.  It has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. Among the most serious was a deadly tanker crash in March of 2008 in which a fuel tanker trailer burst into flames, killing the driver.