A log truck driver negotiated an exit curve nearly 10 mph faster than the advisory speed, losing his load and turning over, closing an Interstate 105 ramp onto Interstate 5 near Garden Way, Oregon State Police said Thursday, May 21.

No injuries were reported in the crash, which happened shortly after 6 a.m., state police said.

Police gave the following account: A 2020 Peterbilt log truck that weighs about 80,000 pounds was traveling west on Interstate 105 and attempted to take the Interstate 5 ramp southbound.

While on the ramp, the driver, Stefan Markus, 58, of Springfield, traveled at least 44 mph, despite its 35 mph advisory speed, police said. The truck and trailer rolled over, hitting the guardrail. 

The logs rolled out, blocking the ramp and nearby Garden Way, police said.

A hazardous-material crew cleaned up leaking fuel and a tow truck took the vehicle away. 

The ramp was closed for about four hours during the cleanup. No other vehicles were involved.

Ben Botkin covers politics and policy in Lane County. He has worked as a journalist since 2003, most recently at the Oregon Capital Chronicle, where he covered justice, health and human services and documented regional efforts to combat fentanyl addiction. Botkin has worked in statehouses in Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma and, of course, Oregon. When he's not working, you'll find him road tripping across the West, hiking or surfing along the Oregon Coast.