After at least four incidents involving VTrans plow trucks being hit today, Governor Peter Shumlin issued the following statement reminding Vermonters to take it slow as the snow continues to fall during the evening commute. Blinding conditions and numerous accidents on I-89 and on the southern section of I-91 have resulted in both highways being closed at least once each today. In addition, I-89 in South Burlington was also closed late in the afternoon because of a tractor trailer accident.
“We’ve had several reports of VTrans plow trucks being hit as they were out clearing the roads today. The snow is still falling and visibility will be poor during the evening commute. I ask Vermonters to please take it slow, especially when approaching a plow truck. The cold temperatures and dusty snow can cause very poor visibility around the trucks as they clear the roads. Please leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles and give plow trucks room to do their job. The safest place on the road right now is a reasonable distance behind a plow truck. Let’s all take it slow and ensure everyone gets home safely tonight.”
State Police Reports
- 02/02/15 4:45 pm: I-91 is now reopening. Visibility upon encountering other vehicles or snow plows will remain a hazard overnight. Previously at 2:43 PM, I 91 north of exit 7 remained closed for a short time longer / visibility due to the light nature of the snow is causing accidents in the southeast portion of VT. Motorists must adjust speeds and give distance to other vehicles and plows.
- 02/02, 2015 3:47 PM: Be advised that I 89 south bound in South Burlington, just beyond the on-ramp from exit 13 (the I 189 interchange), is down to one lane of travel due to a motor vehicle accident. Please use caution if you must travel this route and seek alternate routes if at all possible. An update will be provided when available.
- 02/02/15 at 1:33 pm hours: Vermont State Police responded to a two car motor vehicle crash on Interstate 89 southbound near mile marker 103 in the Town of Milton involving a state snow plow and a Ryder box truck. Investigation revealed the operator of the box truck was traveling south in the left lane when it rear ended a state snow plow also traveling in the left lane. The state snow plow spun in the roadway and subsequently went off the road into the median. The box truck also went off the road into the median where it collided with heavy brush and small trees. The operator of the box truck was extricated from the vehicle and transported to UVM Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. This crash is a result of the operator of the box truck traveling too fast for conditions. The Vermont State Police would like to remind the general public to reduce their speed and exercise extreme caution when traveling in winter weather conditions.
- 02/02/15: Interstate 91 northbound is closed between Exit 7 Springfield and Exit 8 Weathersfield due to several motor vehicle collisions in the area of mile marker 47. Motorists should plan alternate routes, and all drivers should exercise extreme caution if traveling today. Unnecessary travel should be postponed today.
- Source: Vermont State Police. 2.2.2015