Road reopened, fire department removes railway powder

(Courtesy: CFD)

UPDATE:

CFD confirmed that the substance was a non-hazardous powder and they reopened the roads.

Firefighters thoroughly sprayed the railroad crossings, tracks and road with water to remove the powder.

Officials believe the powder came from a passing rail car.

(Courtesy: CFD)

ORIGINAL POST:

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Drivers should avoid the area of Boy Scout Road in Hixson, Tennessee.

The road is shut down from Echo Glen Drive to Sandswitch Road, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD).

Boy Scout Road, (Google Maps)

They say Sandswitch Road is blocked at the railroad tracks due to a powder being on the tracks, the fire department said.

A passerby reported the powder on the tracks around 11:30 a.m.

CFD hazmat teams are on scene trying to determine what the powder substance is. Officials do not think the substance is dangerous or a threat to the public.

They have alerted Norfolk Southern and stopped railroad traffic as well.

The fire department says Marion Environmental is headed to the on route to clean it up.

(Courtesy: CFD)