Mark Collier / Staff Photo
Traffic on I-89 north and south ground to a halt on Wednesday afternoon, with icy road conditions, blowing snow, and several accidents. There were also a lot of drivers getting out of their cars and rubbernecking.
BARRE – Emergency personnel responded to several accidents on Tuesday night and Wednesday due to icy and snowy roads.
I-89 Northbound has reopened as of 6:38 p.m., according to the Vermont Emergency Management Facebook page. The highway had been closed between exit 10 in Waterbury through the Bolton Flats before exit 11 in Richmond because of multiple accidents.
Several other accidents were reported along roadways in Central and Northern Vermont, and poor driving conditions are reported across Central Vermont. Route 64 in Williamstown between I-89 and Rte. 14 is also closed to truck traffic.
For a map of road conditions and web cam shots from I89, go to the VTrans 511 web site here.
The National Weather Service in Burlington issued a hazardous weather warning for most areas in Vermont for Wednesday night into Thursday morning. They are forecasting 2-5 inches of snow accumulation by late Wednesday evening.
Several high school sports events in Central Vermont have been rescheduled or postponed; an event at the State House in Montpelier recognizing US Service Academy nominees from Vermont, with Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch has been postponed as well.
On Tuesday night, snow, sleet and rain combined to create slushy roadways. Troopers from the State Police in Middlesex responded to several crashes where vehicles had gone off the road on Interstate-89 from Brookfield to Waterbury.
State police urged drivers to slow down, saying that posted speed limits are meant for clear, dry conditions. Drivers should adjust their speed based on the amount of visibility, traffic and road conditions.
If a driver who has been in an accident or drove off the road was found to be driving to fast for conditions they could be issued a ticket, which carries a penalty of $214 and 2 points on the driver’s license.
State police encourage drivers to check road and weather conditions before leaving home and avoid traveling unless it is necessary. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and has snow tires and winter windshield wipers.
Drivers should also be aware that driving conditions may change and black ice, blowing snow and whiteouts due to high winds are possible.
If you do go off the road, state police ask that you pull as far off the road as possible as to minimize traffic hazards to other drivers. Also, carry a cell phone to call 911 and stay in the car.
- Jenna Pizzi | Staff Writer
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