Sunrise Highway Car Accident – A significant traffic disruption unfolded on Friday after a vehicle accident on NY-135 Southbound led to a large oil spill that forced the complete closure of all southbound lanes between Exit 1 (Merrick Road) and Exit 2 (Sunrise Highway) in Long Island, New York. The incident created major congestion throughout the area as emergency response teams and environmental cleanup crews rushed to contain the spill and restore safe driving conditions.
According to transportation officials, the crash occurred during the afternoon hours when a vehicle reportedly lost control near the merge point leading to Sunrise Highway. The impact resulted in a ruptured oil line, causing a substantial amount of oil to leak across the roadway. The spill quickly spread across several lanes, creating hazardous driving conditions and prompting authorities to shut down the entire southbound section of the roadway in the affected zone.
Firefighters, highway maintenance teams, and hazmat units were deployed immediately to assess the extent of the spill and prevent the oil from traveling into nearby drainage systems. Their primary focus was to contain the contamination, ensure that no runoff entered surrounding soil or waterways, and protect both motorists and the environment.
Traffic delays built rapidly as southbound drivers approaching the area were diverted to alternate routes, including Merrick Road and local service streets. Authorities urged motorists to avoid the corridor entirely if possible, warning that cleanup efforts could take several hours depending on the volume of oil released and surface temperatures, which can influence how quickly oil adheres to the pavement.
Drivers traveling northbound were not directly impacted by closures but did experience heavy slowing due to rubbernecking and lane adjustments conducted by police to maintain spacing for emergency vehicles. Numerous commuters expressed frustration with the unexpected delays, but officials emphasized that the shutdown was necessary to prevent additional collisions or injuries.
Cleanup crews applied absorbent materials across the spill zone and used industrial sweeping equipment to clear the contaminated roadway. Depending on the severity of the contamination, the cleanup may also include specialized detergents to ensure the road surface is fully restored for safe travel. Inspectors will conduct skid resistance tests before reopening the roadway, ensuring that no oily residue remains that could pose risks to drivers.
Police have not released details about the number of vehicles involved in the initial crash or whether any injuries occurred. Investigators remained on scene reviewing skid marks, vehicle positions, and eyewitness accounts to determine what led to the accident.
As of now, authorities continue to advise motorists to monitor traffic updates and plan for extended delays throughout the evening. The full reopening of NY-135 Southbound will depend on how quickly crews can complete the environmental cleanup
and ensure the roadway is safe for normal traffic flow.
