A tractor trailer accident just after midnight Wednesday resulted in nearly a 12-hour cleanup, leading drivers in LaGrange to take alternate routes and to avoid Interstate 85.

The accident occurred at 12:42 a.m. on Wednesday on Interstate 85 southbound at the Georgia 22 interchange, according to Georgia State Patrol Trooper Bernard Talley.

Talley said the driver heard a noise, pulled right and then proceeded to hit several guard rails before driving 20-feet into the trees. The driver was alone and no one else was hurt during the accident.

Talley said the driver was flown to Grady Hospital in Atlanta.

According to Talley, there was no indication of a tire failure prior to the driver colliding with the guard rails.

GDOT cleared the scene and opened the interstate back up at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Motorists were asked to leave the interstate at exit 13 and to get back on at exit 6.