Pasadena police initially said the incident closed all lanes of State Highway 225 in both directions from Scarborough to Red Bluff. City officials later said the eastbound lanes of SH 225 were reopened, but that the westbound lanes remained closed.
TxDOT said crews were on scene assisting with the cleanup.
In a 2:45 p.m. update, City of Pasadena officials said the incident is expected to take approximately eight more hours to clear.
A chemical spill had initially been reported after the fire, but it was later determined there was no spill, according to a city spokesperson.
Despite the fire being out, authorities said the delay would involve transferring the chemical from the 18-wheeler onto another vessel. Pasadena police said the product in the trailer is sodium nitrate.
Officials said all westbound traffic is being forced to exit at Richey.
Authorities urge drivers to use alternate routes.
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