Gravel Truck Rollover Closes Thruway Ramps in Saugerties
State Police say speed appeared to contribute to the crash that blocked both southbound ramps at Exit 20.
A Saugerties truck rollover spilled a load of gravel across two New York State Thruway ramps Tuesday morning, closing both the southbound entrance and exit at Exit 20 for several hours. The driver suffered minor injuries and was later ticketed, according to New York State Police.
The crash happened shortly after 8 a.m. on July 14, 2026, as a tractor-trailer was entering Interstate 87 in the Ulster County town of Saugerties. Police said speed appeared to have contributed to the rollover.
Tractor-Trailer Overturns at Thruway Exit 20
Troopers from State Police Troop T in Albany and Kingston responded to Exit 20 after receiving a report that a tractor-trailer had overturned.
Investigators identified the driver as Evenor B. Melgar, 56, of Bay Shore, New York. Police said Melgar was driving a 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer when the vehicle overturned while entering the Thruway.
The trailer’s load of gravel spilled across the roadway, blocking:
- The southbound entrance ramp to the Thruway
- The southbound exit ramp from the Thruway
- Access through the affected section of the interchange
The blocked ramps created a significant traffic disruption for drivers attempting to enter or leave I-87 in Saugerties.
Driver Taken to Kingston Hospital
Melgar was transported to Kingston Hospital with what police described as minor injuries.
State Police did not report any injuries involving other motorists, passengers or emergency responders. The official release also did not indicate that another vehicle was involved in the crash.
The driver’s condition was not immediately available beyond the police description of his injuries as minor.
Speed Appears to Be a Contributing Factor
State Police said their initial investigation found that speed appeared to have contributed to the crash.
“Speed appeared to be a contributing factor in the crash,” the agency said in its July 14 release.
Police did not publicly state how fast the tractor-trailer was traveling before it overturned. They also did not disclose the specific traffic violation listed on the ticket issued to Melgar.
A contributing factor is not necessarily the same as a final legal determination of responsibility. Traffic citations are allegations that must be resolved through the court system.
Ramps Closed for Cleanup and Truck Removal
Both affected ramps remained closed for several hours as crews removed the overturned truck and cleared the spilled gravel.
Cleaning up a commercial truck rollover can require several coordinated steps, including:
- Securing the crash scene
- Checking for leaking fuel or other hazards
- Removing the tractor and trailer
- Collecting the spilled cargo
- Inspecting the pavement and surrounding infrastructure
- Reopening the roadway after officials determine it is safe
State Police did not provide an exact time when the ramps reopened. The agency said only that they were closed for several hours during the cleanup and vehicle-removal operation.
Driver Issued a Traffic Ticket
Melgar was ticketed for a violation of New York’s vehicle and traffic law.
The State Police announcement did not identify the exact charge or provide a court date. No criminal charges were announced.
The distinction matters. A traffic ticket generally begins a court process in which the driver may respond to the allegation. It does not, by itself, represent a finding of guilt.
Why Truck Rollovers Can Cause Long Closures
Even when a driver escapes with minor injuries, a tractor-trailer rollover can create major traffic problems.
Large commercial vehicles carry heavy loads that may spread across multiple lanes or ramps when a trailer overturns. Gravel, soil and construction materials can also make pavement unsafe until the entire area is cleared.
Emergency crews must consider several risks:
- Secondary collisions involving approaching traffic
- Shifting cargo around the overturned trailer
- Fuel or fluid leaks
- Damage to guardrails, signs or pavement
- The weight and position of the truck during recovery
Because the July 14 crash blocked both southbound ramps, motorists could not simply drive around the spilled gravel within the interchange. The recovery operation had to be completed before normal access could safely resume.
Exit 20 Serves a Busy Ulster County Area
Exit 20 connects the New York State Thruway with the Saugerties area and nearby routes in northern Ulster County.
A closure at an interchange can affect more than long-distance Thruway traffic. It may also disrupt local residents, commuters, delivery vehicles and businesses that depend on nearby highway access.
The incident occurred during the morning travel period, increasing the likelihood of delays for motorists using the southbound side of the Thruway.
Officials Have Released Limited Information
The information available as of July 14 comes primarily from the New York State Police news release.
Officials confirmed:
- The crash occurred shortly after 8 a.m.
- It happened at Thruway Exit 20 in Saugerties
- The vehicle was a 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer
- The driver was Evenor B. Melgar of Bay Shore
- Gravel spilled across both southbound ramps
- The driver suffered minor injuries
- Speed appeared to be a factor
- The driver received a traffic ticket
- The ramps were closed for several hours
Police have not publicly released the tractor-trailer’s exact speed, the name of the trucking company, the amount of gravel being carried or the specific traffic violation cited.
Those details should not be assumed unless they are released by investigators or documented in public records.
A Reminder About Commercial Vehicle Safety
The crash highlights the importance of controlling speed when operating a large vehicle on entrance ramps, exit ramps and curved roadways.
Tractor-trailers have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, especially when carrying heavy or shifting cargo. Drivers must account for the weight of the load, the shape of the roadway and the space needed to complete a turn safely.
Motorists approaching a commercial vehicle should also leave extra following distance. A truck may need more time to slow down, turn or respond to changing traffic conditions.
What Drivers Should Do Near a Rollover Scene
Drivers who encounter an overturned truck or a major cargo spill should avoid stopping to take photographs or attempting to pass emergency vehicles.
Safer actions include:
- Reducing speed before reaching the scene
- Following police and roadway-worker directions
- Using an official detour
- Avoiding spilled cargo and debris
- Giving tow operators and emergency crews room to work
- Checking official traffic updates before beginning a trip
Drivers should never attempt to move spilled material or enter a closed ramp.
Conclusion
The Saugerties truck rollover caused hours of disruption after a tractor-trailer overturned and dumped gravel across the southbound entrance and exit ramps at Thruway Exit 20.
The driver was hospitalized with minor injuries and received a traffic ticket. State Police said speed appeared to have contributed to the crash, although the agency did not release the vehicle’s speed or the specific violation.
Motorists should continue to treat ramp closures and commercial-vehicle recovery scenes seriously. Slowing down, following detours and giving emergency crews space can help prevent a single crash from becoming a second emergency.
