Drivers who are coming and going from Alabama are about to have a major drive around their normal route, after a tractor trailer wreck has shut down the area around the Georgia-Alabama state line near Esom Hill.

The wreck of a tractor trailer carrying anhydrous ammonia – a type of fertilizer that can be toxic if breathed in by people – happened across the state line in Alabama, but officials are closing down the area while the chemical load is being recovered as a precautionary measure.

No leaks have yet to be reported according to local officials notified of the situation, but Georgia State Patrol and their counterparts in Alabama will be handling the roadway closure on Highway 278 West at this time. Polk County Police were additionally out in the area helping with the situation, per Chief Kenny Dodd.

The roadway will be shut down to traffic until further notice at the state line.

Drivers should avoid the area completely, and should detour utilizing Highway 100 north to Cave Spring, and detour around using Highway 411 to Centre.

It is not a good idea in this situation in case of a leak to try and take back roads to detour around the wreck.

Check back for additional details as they become available.