UPDATE 3 (August 3, 2026 at 9:48 p.m. CDT):
Opelika Fire Department and Lee County EMA are finishing up with the Hazmat Spill and Walmart Distribution Center will be reopening soon.
Opelika Police will be assisting with traffic control to get all of the trucks to the facility.
UPDATE 2 (August 3, 2026 at 8:36 p.m. CDT):
Walmart has released a statement to CNAW2News following Monday’s hazmat incident at its Opelika Distribution Center.
When asked about the cause of the leak, whether any employees were affected, the significant traffic backups, and whether truck drivers were alerted or traffic could have been diverted, a Walmart
spokesperson provided the following statement:
“The safety of our associates is a top priority. We’re grateful to first responders for their swift response.”
The company also told CNAW2News they are working to resume operations as soon as possible.
Earlier Monday, the Opelika Fire Department said a minor anhydrous ammonia leak from the facility’s industrial refrigeration system prompted the evacuation of employees. Officials reported no injuries and said no one required medical attention.
UPDATE 1 (August 3, 2026 at 8:10 p.m. CDT):
The Opelika Fire Department has released additional information about the hazardous materials incident at the Walmart Distribution Center.
According to the department, firefighters were dispatched to the facility, located at 2701 Andrews Road, at approximately 3:08 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of an anhydrous ammonia leak.
Officials say the leak is believed to have originated from the distribution center’s industrial refrigeration system. Upon arrival, firefighters determined the leak was minor in scope.
As a precaution, all employees inside the building were safely evacuated. The Opelika Fire Department said no injuries have been reported, and no one required medical attention as a result of the incident.
Fire crews remain on scene working to contain the leak while coordinating with Walmart Distribution Center personnel to assess the situation and ensure the facility is safe before normal operations resume.
The distribution center remains closed, and traffic backups continue along Andrews Road, Northpark Drive, and Interstate 85 as commercial vehicles wait for access to the facility. It is still unknown when the distribution center will reopen.
Original report: The Walmart Distribution Center on Andrews Road is closed Monday evening due to an active hazardous materials incident, leading to significant traffic congestion throughout the surrounding industrial area.
According to officials, the Walmart Distribution Center, located at 2701 Andrews Road, has been shut down while the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and the Opelika Fire Department work a hazmat situation that has been going on since 3 p.m. central time. At this time, no personnel or vehicles are being allowed to enter the facility.
The closure has created severe traffic backups as commercial trucks are unable to access the distribution center. Authorities report that tractor-trailers are currently lined up along:
- Andrews Road
- Northpark Drive
- Interstate 85 on- and off-ramps
- Portions of Interstate 85
Officials say they are actively working to ensure commercial vehicles do not block roadways and that drivers who are not attempting to access the distribution center can safely travel through the area.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the Andrews Road industrial park unless travel to the area is necessary and to use alternate routes whenever possible.
Authorities have not released details regarding the hazardous materials incident, and it remains unclear when the scene will be cleared or when the Walmart Distribution Center will reopen.
This is a developing story.
