08/03/2026
TRAFFIC UPDATE - U.S. 36 REOPENED
—- FINAL UPDATE - 7:12 PM
The Danville Police Department is pleased to report that the disabled oversized load has been successfully moved and is no longer blocking U.S. Highway 36. Both eastbound and westbound lanes are now fully open to all traffic.
The oversized load has been relocated to the far west side of Danville, where repairs to the truck will be completed off the roadway.
We would like to thank the public for its patience and understanding throughout this incident, which lasted more than five hours. We recognize that this closure occurred during one of the busiest travel periods of the day, as many residents were returning home from work. The timing of the incident, combined with its location on one of Danville's primary traffic corridors, created significant traffic congestion and delays throughout the community.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the recovery crews who worked tirelessly to safely move this extremely heavy load. With a load weighing more than 310,000 pounds positioned on the steep grade of College Hill, this was a complex and challenging recovery operation. Their professionalism, expertise, and persistence were instrumental in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.
The Danville Police Department understands the frustration that comes with unexpected traffic disruptions, especially during peak travel times. While we do not control how long it takes to repair or recover a disabled vehicle of this size, our officers work proactively to minimize the impact on the community. Throughout this incident, officers remained on scene providing traffic control, managing detour routes, assisting motorists, and coordinating with recovery personnel to help keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible.
We want the community to know that we are always mindful of traffic concerns and the challenges these situations create for residents, businesses, and visitors. We remain committed to working closely with our towing, recovery, and public safety partners to mitigate issues, support recovery efforts, and restore normal traffic flow as quickly and safely as circumstances allow.
Thank you again for your patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout this incident. We are pleased to report that U.S. 36 is now fully reopened.
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TRAFFIC UPDATE - U.S. 36 (COLLEGE HILL)
—UPDATE AS OF 6:33 PM—
We would like to provide the public with another update regarding the disabled oversized load on U.S. 36.
Recovery crews are making positive progress in their efforts to move the oversized load. However, the sheer weight of the load, which exceeds 310,000 pounds, combined with the steep grade on College Hill, has made this a very challenging operation. Getting a load of this size moving from a stopped position on an incline is an extremely difficult task.
We understand the significant impact this closure is having on traffic through Danville and appreciate everyone's patience.
Please know that the towing and recovery crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to clear the roadway and restore normal traffic flow. While this situation is unfortunate, we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the recovery personnel who have been diligently working to move the load safely.
Danville Police officers remain on scene providing traffic control and assisting motorists as we work through this incident. We are hopeful our next update will be that the roadway has been reopened, but we ask everyone to continue following detour routes and watch for additional updates.
At this time, both eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 36 remain closed.
Eastbound Detour: Traffic should travel north on Washington Street to East Columbia Street, continue on East Columbia Street to Helton Drive, and return to U.S. 36 at the park exit.
Westbound Detour: Traffic should travel north on Leedy Drive to East Columbia Street, continue to North Jefferson Street, then travel south to return to westbound U.S. 36.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as crews work to safely reopen this major roadway.
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TRAFFIC UPDATE - U.S. 36 (College Hill)
—UPDATE AS OF 4:25 PM—
Due to the extreme weight of the load and the steep grade on College Hill, crews have been unable to move the disabled semi-truck and its load from its current location.
Repair technicians are en route and will attempt to repair the truck in place. At this time, the oversized load will likely remain in the roadway for an extended period while repairs are completed.
Motorists should continue to avoid the area and expect significant traffic delays. The westbound U.S. 36 detour remains in effect.
We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as crews work to safely resolve this situation. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
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TRAFFIC UPDATE - U.S. 36 (College Hill)
—UPDATE AS OF 3:07 PM—
A heavy-duty towing and recovery company is now on scene assessing the disabled oversized load on U.S. 36 near the Danville Police Department.
Crews are working on a plan to move the disabled semi and its more than 310,000-pound load to a safe location off the roadway. If successful, this will allow U.S. 36 to fully reopen to traffic.
Motorists should continue to avoid the area and expect delays while crews work to safely clear the roadway. We appreciate everyone's patience and will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
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ORIGINAL POST:
TRAFFIC ADVISORY - U.S. 36 (College Hill)
The Danville Police Department is advising motorists that an oversized commercial vehicle weighing more than 310,000 pounds has become disabled on U.S. Highway 36 in front of the Danville Police Department, an area commonly known as College Hill.
The vehicle is unable to move because of a mechanical failure involving a broken component on the semi-truck. Due to the size and weight of this load, it cannot simply be removed by a standard tow or recovery vehicle. The transport company is actively working to coordinate repairs so the truck can be safely moved, but this is expected to be a complex operation.
At this time, eastbound traffic on U.S. 36 will remain open. Westbound traffic will be diverted through Ellis Park via Leedy Drive to East Columbia Street, then north on North Tennessee Street at the traffic light before returning to westbound U.S. 36.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes whenever possible. This incident is causing significant traffic congestion throughout the Town of Danville, and delays should be expected.
We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as crews work to resolve this situation safely. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
