Officials in northern Kentucky have declared a stretch of interstate an emergency after multiple semi trucks crashed over the weekend.
On Tuesday, October 29, officials issued an Emergency Declaration for I-75 between mile markers 187.6 and 187.7 in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
The emergency was declared following four separate semi truck crashes on I-75 in Fort Mitchell on October 26. Officials say that part of the problem is that a lack of pavement friction causes the roadway to become very slick when wet.
Mayor Jude Hehman’s Executive Order pointed to “severe damage to the “Median Barrier Wall” resulting from several Commercial Vehicle Accidents, and the resulting effect on non-functional street lights on this section of the Interstate as well as the overpass creating an unsafe situation, the traveling public is placed in great risk of serious injury or death.”
“Over 70 feet of concrete barrier wall was demolished as a result of the four truck crashes on Saturday,” said Hehman. “Over 500 feet of barrier wall needs to be replaced and our hope is that by declaring an emergency, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway Department will accelerate repairs and remedies for the heavily-traveled section of I-75.”
Hehman is advising motorists to use caution: “We urge extreme caution when traveling on I-75 near and through Fort Mitchell. Reducing speed and maintaining a lane is the best strategy for motorists.”
For now, temporary barriers are in place, but Fort Mitchell authorities hope that their emergency declaration will spur state officials to act to repair the damaged median before any more crashes can occur.
Additionally, Local 12 reports that the left lane of southbound I-75 will remain closed until repairs are made while police will increase patrols to try to reduce speeding in the area.