Update (4:30 p.m.): Austin Police are warning that I-35 southbound could be closed through the evening:
1600 blk S I-35 SB is still closed and may be until around midnight for assessment of the roadway and repairs if needed. Plz use alt route.
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) June 24, 2013
Original Story: Southbound Interstate 35 is shut down just past Riverside because a semi truck is on fire.
Austin Police and Fire crews have moved southbound traffic to the access road.
AFD spokesperson Palmer Buck estimated the closures may be in effect until rush hour. Northbound traffic is also backed up because of onlookers.
Palmer says the semi truck appears to have had a mechanical problem and the driver was able to exit safely. No one else was hurt.
The truck was carrying pork bellies - leading to lots of jokes on Twitter about bacon. Here's a sample:
ICYMI: BBQ on I35. RT @statesman truck that caught on fire on SB 35 was carrying pork bellies; SB lanes closed. http://t.co/PyFy39N1o9
— Christopher Lucas (@ChristophrLucas) June 24, 2013
mmm, bacon :) “@KVUE: UPDATE: 18-wheeler carrying pork bellies on fire. Southbound I-35 closed at Riverside..." - http://t.co/BCW1pMXlil”
— Ryan Schierholz (@RyanSchierholz) June 24, 2013
Hey @pqui - @statesman: "truck that caught on fire on SB 35 was carrying PORK BELLIES; SBlanes may close for hours"
— Suzanne Cherry (@Suzanne_Russell) June 24, 2013
