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Press Release: Icy Conditions Lead to Closure on Interstate 89 in Vermont
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Early Tuesday morning, Vermont State Police reported significant icy conditions that prompted the closure of the northbound side of Interstate 89 between Exit 7 and Exit 8. The roadway, which remained shut for approximately two hours, reopened at 10:30 a.m. after several slide-offs and crashes were reported.
According to images shared with NBC5 News, several vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, were found stranded along the highway in the Montpelier-Barre-Berlin area. Fortunately, all occupants involved in the six vehicular incidents within the closed section emerged unharmed.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation confirmed that the entry ramp to Interstate 89 Northbound from VT-62 (Exit 7) was also blocked due to the treacherous road conditions. On Tuesday alone, Vermont State Police attended to a staggering 25 weather-related crashes statewide, eight along Interstate 89 and Interstate 91, with three resulting in injuries. Additionally, 17 crashes occurred on secondary roads, four of which led to injuries.
The hazardous conditions began to form shortly after sunrise as freezing rain moved into the area from the west. Reports of slide-offs, including unconfirmed incidents on Interstate 91 in the Connecticut River Valley, further underscored the dangers posed by the weather, with several minor roads also affected.
A winter weather advisory remained in effect throughout the morning, continuing into the early afternoon, while state police urged drivers to take precautions. They advised the installation of snow tires and emphasized the importance of adjusting speed to prevent accidents during ice-covered road conditions.
Source
Photo credit www.mynbc5.com
