A truck fire on the Indiana Toll Road at the 15 mile marker in Lake County forced the closure this morning of the westbound lanes, ITR Concession Company said.

According to the Indiana State Police, at 7:31 a.m. a box tractor-trailer jackknifed and then exploded. Fire trucks and an ambulance were dispatched, but no one apparently was injured, ITR said.

Both westbound lanes were closed and a rolling block was keeping traffic moving slowly through one eastbound lane. Message boards were in place along the road notifying drivers of the situation. Westbound motorists were advised to detour to the Gary East exit at the 17 mile marker and then to U.S. Highway 20.

Rich Motz, operations supervisor for ITR, said traffic around the Gary East exit and traffic at Cline Ave. was not being affected, and that there are no problems or backing being reported at toll booths in the area.

The ISP is investigating the accident and at 8 a.m. it was unclear when the westbound lanes would be re-opened.

Posted 5/12/2008