A Dump Truck Rollover Dirt Spill Shut Down SR-3 in Kitsap County

A dump truck ended up on its side on the southbound SR-3 in Kitsap County on Wednesday afternoon, fully blocking the roadway and sending both Washington State Patrol and Central Kitsap emergency crews to the scene.

The good news first, the driver survived with no life-threatening injuries.

And from looking at the photo, they could be lucky.

Dump Truck on Its Side with Dirt Spread Behind the Wreck

After crashing, the dump truck was lying completely on its side, with the passenger door of the white cab popped open straight up into the air. A first responder can be seen standing just inside the cab, working through the open door from above.

Outside the cab, several responders, who look like firefighters to me, are positioned at the front of the vehicle. A Central Kitsap ambulance is parked off to the side.

Why Cleanup Only Took 90 Minutes to Clear the Scene

The load of dark brown dirt spilled across part of the far left lane, but the majority of it appears to have gone into the ditch instead of spreading across the roadway.

I am guessing that was the biggest reason this cleanup moved as quickly as it did. A full load of dirt spread evenly across both lanes would have meant a much longer closure with possibly heavy equipment needed to clear it.

Instead, crews were able to focus on the truck and the smaller portion of spilled dirt blocking the left lane.

Quick Work by WSDOT Crews and First Responders

Trooper Katherine Weatherwax confirmed the roadway reopened at 2:41 PM, about an hour and a half after the initial alert. Northbound traffic continued moving throughout, with only the southbound impacted during the investigation and cleanup.

A rollover like this could have gone very differently, and usually does.

Read More: That's Not Tint! Washington State Trooper Tickets Soot-Covered VW

Read More: Car Cuddle? Rear-End Romance on I-5 Leaves Drivers Unhappy