One lane of Interstate 71 will be shut down near the 47-mile marker in Kentucky for “several months” following a fatal truck crash that claimed the life of a truck driver.
The crash occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the southbound lanes of I-71, just north of Carrollton, Kentucky.
According to the Kentucky State Patrol, a semi truck driven by Darren Montgomery, 50, was traveling southbound when it left the roadway, struck a bridge rail and then overturned and caught on fire.
When first responders arrived, the found the truck on its side fully engulfed in flames.
Southbound lane of I-71 to remain closed for months after fiery crash kills Louisville man: https://t.co/eJJtYF6YkJ pic.twitter.com/2Pj5Km4BBz
— WDRB News (@WDRBNews) December 10, 2020
Montgomery died at the scene.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the interstate wasn’t cleared until after midnight.
On Thursday morning at 9:00 am, officials opened the left lane of southbound I-7; however, the right lane remained shut down.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said that the right lane will be shut down for “several months” so that repairs to the road can be made. They recommend using an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion.
NKY Traffic Alert: I-71 DETOUR Established (Carroll Co):
— KYTC (@KYTC) December 9, 2020
From 71 Sb take Exit 55 to Hwy 1039; to Hwy 42 W to Carrollton; Go S on 227 and re-enter I-71 SB at the 44. https://t.co/91xGgD8Zy3