I-85 backed up 7 miles in Gaston County for paint spill. Two of three lanes blocked

Interstate 85 northbound through Gaston County is backed up for seven miles due to a crash that spilled paint across the travel lanes, according to the Gastonia Police.

Two of three northbound lanes are closed, officials said.

Cleanup will last until 5 p.m. and will impact rush hour, reported the N.C. Department of Transportation.

It happened under the McAdenville Road bridge, near Exit 23, Gastonia Police said in a Facebook post.

“Large spill at site involving 55 gallon drums,” said the post. “I-85 is one lane northbound, expect delays through the afternoon.“

The spill happened about 11:50 a.m. and forced the N.C. Highway Patrol to close the left two northbound lanes, according to DriveNC.gov.

“Expected impact to traffic is high,” warns the NCDOT.

The crash involved a truck carrying green paint for tennis courts, reported the Gaston Gazette. The newspaper says “several people” were injured.

This story was originally published August 22, 2019 at 2:49 PM.