Updated (8: 37 a.m.)
Westbound I-74 previously closed has now been reopened.
“Roadways are still extremely hazardous and motorists are still being urged to avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, use caution,” said ISP Sgt. Noel Houze.
Updated (8:12 a.m.)
Eastbound I-74 previously closed due to the jackknifed semi at the 163 mile marker has now been re-opened. Eastbound motorists will still experience delays but the roadway has been re-opened.
Westbound I-74 remains closed at the 166 mile marker with no estimation on when that area will be treated and re-opened.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel as road conditions remain slick and hazardous.
Original Post (7:30 a.m.)
The impact of the winter storm has caused havoc on some local roadways early Wednesday.
Interstate 74 is closed in both directions due to tractor trailer accidents around St. Leon. Motorists traveling westbound will not be able to proceed past the 166 mile marker, which is two miles east of State Road 1 or exit 164, police said.
“Due to icy conditions, traffic has been stalled at the 166 mile marker and cannot make it up the hill at that location. There is no official re-routing to westbound traffic from this location because traffic attempting to bypass this delay on S.R. 46 will find themselves stuck on the hill as well,” said Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze.
For those traveling east, motorists must exit I-74 at S.R. 101 (exit 156) and travel east on S.R. 46 to S.R. 1 and can re-enter eastbound I-74 from S.R. 1 (exit 164). The closure is due to a jackknifed semi on eastbound I-74 west of S.R. 1.
Traffic and police reports indicate that local highways and county roads are snow covered and travel is slow.
A local commuter reported “snow packed” areas on on S.R. 229 south of Batesville, near Ballstown Hill.
A Ripley County Communications dispatcher said highways are improving, but still icy in spots, including on including S.R. 129.
