All southbound lanes of Route 55 in Gloucester County remained closed Monday morning after an overturned tractor-trailer and a separate vehicle collided near the Ellis Mill Road overpass in Mantua Township.
The Gloucester County Emergency Management Agency said the crash occurred just after 4 a.m.. By 6:30 a.m., responders reported the southbound lanes still blocked and traffic backed up to Route 322 between the Glassboro and Clayton exits.
What drivers need to know
Motorists were being directed off Route 55 onto Ellis Mill Road while crews worked at the scene. Officials suggested several alternate routes for southbound traffic.
- Affected stretch: southbound Route 55 near Ellis Mill Road overpass, Mantua Township
- Traffic backup: to Route 322 between Glassboro and Clayton exits
- Reported injuries: one driver transported to a hospital
- Hazmat response: Gloucester County Hazmat assisting fire department with a diesel leak
The county emergency management agency identified a tractor-trailer carrying food products as one of the vehicles involved. Authorities said one driver was taken to the hospital; they did not release that person’s condition.
Alternate routes and local guidance
Drivers seeking to avoid the closure were diverted at the scene and advised to use nearby surface roads. Recommended alternate routes included:
- Aura Road
- Delsea Drive
- Elk Road
- Little Mill Road
- Route 322
| Location | Reported status (as of 6:30 a.m.) |
|---|---|
| Route 55 southbound at Ellis Mill Road | All lanes blocked |
| Traffic backup | To Route 322 (between Glassboro and Clayton) |
Gloucester County Hazmat units were on scene assisting the fire department with a diesel leak from the overturned vehicle. Emergency officials did not provide timing for when lanes would reopen.
This is a developing situation and authorities have indicated updates will follow as the cleanup and investigation progress. Commuters should expect delays and seek alternate routes until officials reopen the roadway.
Reporters at News Block will monitor official releases from the Gloucester County Emergency Management Agency and local traffic authorities and update this item as more information becomes available.
