Eastbound I-20 closed this afternoon after big-rig flips into Augusta Canal

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - All lanes of eastbound Interstate 20 were blocked near the state line on Tuesday afternoon as workers continued to deal with the aftermath of a crash that sent a big-rig off the highway and into the Augusta Canal.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said all lanes would be blocked until at least 2:30 p.m.

Drivers will need to find alternate routes.

Eastbound traffic was being diverted onto Riverwatch Parkway.

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The closure came after one lane had reopened for a few hours on Tuesday morning.

The big-rig went into the canal around 5:30 p.m. Monday on eastbound Interstate 20 at the Augusta Canal bridge overpass.

Deputies say the tractor-trailer was traveling east, approaching the South Carolina state line, when it traveled off the roadway through the guardrail of the bridge. The truck overturned into the water. A nearby vehicle was struck with debris from the crash.

According to Augusta Fire and EMA, the driver of the vehicle was able to make it out on their own. He was transported to the hospital and his injuries were reported as minor.

Georgia Department of Transportation staff members have been on the scene of the crash to assess any possible structural damage to the bridge.

Augusta Fire and EMA’s hazmat team responded and EPD was called out as a precaution.

This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates as we learn more information.

PHOTOS OF THE 18-WHEELER SUBMERGED IN THE CANAL:

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