Jefferson County, Alabama, January 17, 2026
An incident on Interstate 65 near Green Springs Highway in Jefferson County led to significant traffic delays due to a calcium carbonate spill. Emergency crews responded promptly, identifying the substance as non-hazardous. Cleanup operations involved spraying the material off the roadway, allowing for lanes to be reopened efficiently. This quick action minimized disruptions for commuters.
Birmingham
I-65 Lanes Reopened After Calcium Carbonate Spill Caused Significant Traffic Delays
Interstate 65 near Green Springs Highway in Jefferson County, Alabama, was fully reopened earlier today after emergency crews successfully cleared a substance identified as calcium carbonate that had caused extensive traffic backups for several hours. The incident, which occurred between January 16 and January 17, 2026, initially prompted a hazmat response due to clouds of the powdery material on the roadway.
Details of the Incident and Emergency Response
The situation unfolded on I-65 near the Green Springs Highway exit, leading to significant disruptions for commuters throughout the morning. Hazmat and fire crews were dispatched to the scene to assess the material and manage the situation. Traffic was heavily affected, with motorists experiencing considerable delays while emergency personnel worked to ensure public safety and clear the highway.
Initially, the nature of the white, powdery substance was a cause for concern, triggering the deployment of specialized hazardous materials teams. However, after thorough evaluation, authorities from Jefferson County confirmed that the material was calcium carbonate. This substance was later clarified to be non-hazardous, often found in everyday products like antacids such as Tums or Rolaids.
Cleanup Operations and Highway Reopening
Once identified as calcium carbonate and deemed non-hazardous, fire crews proceeded to clear the material from the interstate. The cleanup involved spraying the substance off the roadway, a common method for managing non-toxic powder spills. Following the successful removal of the calcium carbonate, all lanes of I-65 were reopened to traffic. While some slowdowns were observed immediately after the reopening, traffic flow steadily improved as the day progressed.
The quick identification and effective response by emergency services were crucial in minimizing the duration of the closure and ensuring the safety of the public. This incident underscores the readiness of local emergency teams to handle various types of highway disruptions, from potentially hazardous materials to non-toxic spills, prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic management.
Understanding Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is a common chemical compound found naturally in rocks such as marble, limestone, and chalk. It is a widely used industrial chemical and is often recognized as the main component in products like Tums and Rolaids, where it acts as an antacid.
Properties and Potential Effects
While generally considered safe and non-hazardous in typical exposure scenarios, calcium carbonate can still pose some minor concerns, especially when airborne as dust. In powder form, it may act as a nuisance particulate. Direct contact with the dust can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Inhalation of large amounts of airborne particles may lead to coughing or irritation of the respiratory system. However, it is important to note that calcium carbonate is not combustible, meaning it does not readily catch fire. If heated to decomposition at very high temperatures, it can emit acrid smoke and irritating vapors.
Standard Cleanup Procedures for Calcium Carbonate
For spills involving calcium carbonate powder, cleanup protocols typically focus on controlling dust and preventing the substance from entering drains or waterways, although it is not usually classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment. Emergency responders commonly employ methods such as mechanical collection of the powdered material into sealed containers for disposal. In cases like the I-65 incident, where the substance needed to be cleared quickly from a roadway, spraying with water can be an effective and safe method, as long as appropriate measures are taken to manage runoff. Workers involved in cleanup are advised to use personal protective equipment, including respirators (such as N95 filters for dust), protective gloves, and eye protection, to avoid direct exposure and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on I-65 near Green Springs Highway?
Interstate 65 near Green Springs Highway in Jefferson County, Alabama, was temporarily shut down due to a spill of calcium carbonate, which created clouds of powdery material on the roadway and caused heavy traffic backups.
When did this incident occur?
The incident occurred between January 16 and January 17, 2026, with cleanup and reopening completed on January 17.
Was the spilled substance hazardous?
No, the substance was identified as calcium carbonate and deemed non-hazardous by Jefferson County authorities. It is commonly found in products like antacids.
Who responded to the incident?
Hazmat and fire crews from emergency services responded to the scene to assess the situation and clear the roadway.
How was the calcium carbonate cleared from the highway?
Fire crews cleared the calcium carbonate from the roadway by spraying it off.
Is calcium carbonate harmful?
While generally non-hazardous, calcium carbonate dust can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, and coughing if inhaled in large amounts.
How long were the lanes closed?
The incident caused heavy traffic backups for hours, but all lanes were eventually reopened.
Key Features of the Calcium Carbonate Incident on I-65
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | I-65 near Green Springs Highway, Jefferson County, Alabama |
| Date(s) of Incident | January 16-17, 2026 |
| Substance Involved | Calcium Carbonate |
| Hazard Level | Deemed non-hazardous |
| Initial Impact | Heavy traffic backups and temporary closure of I-65 |
| Responding Agencies | Hazmat and fire crews |
| Cleanup Method | Spraying the substance off the roadway by fire crews |
| Resolution | All lanes of I-65 reopened |
| General Properties of Calcium Carbonate | Nuisance particulate; can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation if inhaled as dust; non-combustible |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
