I-40 Closed In AZ And NM

The I-40 eb closed mm 233 in AZ until Gallup NM due to hazmat train derailment. Looks as if WB is open.

The local social media is burning up with this. Seems much of the detour traffic is using roads that cross reservation land, and said roads are somewhat 'rustic'. The heavy loads are turning the roads into a NM / AZ equivalent of the Road to Basra if one can believe what's on soc-med.

This has been a disruption for a few days now, and last time I looked at it there was no definitive estimate of road opening. Eastbound is the only direction affected, although that doesn't mean they may not do temp closures or lane adjustments for Westbound.

If you're out that way, safe travels.

The detour for EB took us off at Chambers AZ, and back on the 40 at Gallop NM. It was a pretty drive, and added about 50 miles to my drip. The last mile at Gallop getting back on the 40 took about 40 minutes. A total of 35 cars derailed, many carrying propane. So cleanup will probably take awhile.