UPDATED: GDOT to Begin Winder Highway Repairs on Thursday

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is advising motorists to avoid the stretch of Winder Highway damaged .

The accident, which occurred just north of Highway 316, resulted in Winder Highway being closed for several hours while crews worked to contain leaking fuel and remove the overturned tanker from the roadway.

Cleanup of the spill is expected to continue through tomorrow. Once the cleanup is completed, GDOT will remove the damaged asphalt and repave the entire roadway including the shoulders. The affected section is at least 40 feet wide and 175 feet long. GDOT is mobilizing equipment and materials and expects to begin repairs Thursday if weather permits.

Winder Highway is open to traffic, but GDOT officials describe it as "a very rough ride for motorists" due to the damaged asphalt.

Crews will close one lane of Winder Highway at a time once repairs begin. GDOT advised motorists to avoid the area if at all possible and to expect delays. Work is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday morning and is expected to be completed by 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon.