One north bound lane on Interstate 85 near Mile Marker 64 ónorth of the Lane Street exit in Kannapolis ó has reopened after an early morning accident.
A tractor trailer carrying large metal housing units for electronics went off the right side of the northbound lanes around 7:30 a.m. today.
Continuing traffic problems are expected in the area until the lane is completely cleared.
A N.C. Highway Patrol dispatcher said the accident blocked both lanes initially. One lane was opened around 9:30 with one remaining closed while efforts were under way to remove the tractor-trailer and the contents.
The driver escaped with only minor injuries when the tractor trailer went off the road and crashed into a wooded area.
Trooper M.T. Dalton of the Motor Carrier Division of the N.C. Highway Patrol, said the tractor was a total loss. The driver, John David Peterman of Seale, Ala., refused a trip to the hospital.
Dalton said Peterman said he had just finished talking to his wife and the next thing he knew he was on the floorboard of the truck and the truck was off the road.
Dalton was driving for Melton Truck Lines of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Peterman was charged with failure to wear a seat belt, reckless driving, and driving with alcohol remaining in his system.