Crash Closes Capital Beltway For Hours, Snarling Rush Hour

KENSINGTON, Md. (AP) -- A tractor trailer crash closed the Capital Beltway in Maryland in both directions for hours and the outer loop is expected to remain closed through the morning rush hour.

The crash happened before 5 a.m. Friday near Connecticut Avenue, closing the beltway in both directions for more than two hours. State Police Communications Operator John McDonough at the Rockville barrack says the tractor trailer hit the wall between the inner and outer loops, scattering debris on both sides of the highway.

State Highway Administration spokeswoman Kellie Boulware says two lanes reopened on the inner loop around 7:30 a.m., but the outer loop is expected to remain closed through the morning rush hour with investigators and cleanup crews on the scene.

AP-WF-02-19-16 1301GMT

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