Crashed tractor-trailer closes Athens roadway for several hours

Wrecker crews removing an overturned tractor -trailer truck from Commerce Road Friday morning (Mandy King/Classic City News)

By Joe Johnson

An overturned tractor trailer Friday morning closed the southbound lanes of Commerce Road for several hours.

According to Athens-Clarke County police, the big rig was exiting the Athens Perimeter at about 3:36 a.m. when it flipped onto its side.

"I don’t have the report yet, so I don’t have specifics," Lt. Jody Thompson said. "The truck exited from the (perimeter), turned onto Commerce Rd, and overturned.

"Minor injuries were treated at the scene,"he said.

The incident resulted in lengthy morning commute traffic delays as the road is a main artery into Athens from Madison County.

The lanes were reopened at about 8:50 a.m., Thompson said.