Jackknifed semis, highway closures: Snow snarls traffic

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Snowy weather caused semi-trucks to jackknife and a number of slide-offs and minor crashes around West Michigan Tuesday.

There were intermittent lane closures all around the region, and some crashes that shut down highways entirely.

Inside woodtv.com: Live traffic conditions

Just before 2 p.m., Michigan State Police said a semi-truck jackknifed in Van Buren County, prompting troopers to shut down the right lane of westbound I-94 near County Road 215. No injuries were reported, troopers said, but the lane closure was estimated to last until about 4 p.m.

Near Grand Rapids, MSP reported a semi-truck jackknifed on westbound I-96 before 11 a.m., blocking the 28th Street ramp and slowing traffic nearby. That ramp reopened around noon. But within half an hour, another semi jackknifed in nearly the same spot. The second semi blocked the highway lanes rather than the ramp. The lanes were back open as of about 12:55 p.m. No one was injured in either case.

“(T)he blowing snow in combination of cold temps is causing the freeway to ‘glaze over,'” MSP posted on social media. “PLEASE slow your speeds. It may look clear but it isn’t!”

Northbound I-196 was closed at North Shore Drive near South Haven around 9:45 a.m., with Michigan State Police reporting multiple crashes. Police said no injuries were reported there. The highway was reported open around 12:30 p.m.

“Our roads are still slick & icy due to frigid temps. It is extremely important that motorists exercise intentional caution by slowing down for the safety of us all. That’s the ongoing message. Take care & #DriveSafe,” MSP posted online.

Eastbound I-96 was closed after 48th Avenue near Coopersville shortly after 1 p.m. Southbound I-196 was closed at Blue Star Highway near Saugatuck around 8:30 a.m. before reopening about an hour and a half later. There were also closures on I-94 at Pipestone Road near Benton Harbor/St. Joseph and M-6 at Byron Center Avenue south of Grand Rapids. Westbound I-96 near the East Beltline, just east of Grand Rapids, was backed up during the morning commute.

Frigid temps, lake-effect continue in West Michigan

Drivers can track can keep an eye on highway closures on the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Mi Drive website. The map also has options to see construction zones, MDOT cameras and track MDOT snowplows.

When driving in poor conditions, remember to slow down and leave plenty of extra space between vehicles. Don’t forget to brush off your headlights and turn them on.

“The number one safety feature in every vehicle is always the driver,” John Richard with MDOT said. “So, you always have to allow more time, allow more space and slow way down. I know I sound like a broken record but people need to hear this because people keep speeding and people keep tailgating and a lot of these crashes could be avoidable with some common sense.”

Winter has returned. Brush off your safe driving habits

Give plow trucks plenty of room and never pass them on the right. You should also move over if you see flashing lights to give emergency responders and tow truck drivers plenty of space to work.

MSP also reminded drivers to keep an emergency kit in the car. It should include an extra blanket, cellphone charger, flashlight, food, kitty litter or sand and water.

Frigid temperatures and snow are expected to continue through the end of the week.

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