HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A big rig crash is slowing drivers along a portion of the East Freeway Friday morning.

Houston TranStar reported the wreck and hazmat spill that shut down all eastbound lanes of the I-10 East Freeway at the I-610 East Loop near Mercury Drive at about 2:50 a.m. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, an 18-wheeler overturned, adding that the closure is expected to last several hours.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and take an alternate route, such as Highway 90.