NB Health provides advice for drivers impacted by Fredricton chemical spill

Drivers in Fredericton are being warned after a chemical spill spread across several roads late last week.

The New Brunswick government issued a public advisory Friday night after testing confirmed traces of potentially harmful substances in material spilled along the Vanier Highway.

Officials say the spill included sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and chromium. The province estimates roughly one thousand litres of the material was released across about 14 kilometres of roadway.

The affected area includes sections of the Vanier Highway, also known as Highway 7, between Fredericton and Oromocto, along with Vanier Industrial Drive. Authorities say the spill may have occurred between Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Public Health is advising anyone who may have driven through those areas to avoid touching any visible residue on their vehicles. People are also being told to keep children and pets away from any contaminated surfaces and to wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with the material.

Cleanup crews began closing parts of Wilsey Road, Vanier Industrial Drive, and the Vanier Highway interchange at Alison Boulevard Friday afternoon to deal with the spill.

The province says an environmental consultant is assessing potential impacts on the surrounding area, while testing and sampling continue.

Officials say more information will be shared once results are available.