Cluster of stuck semi trucks block I-71 near bridge for seven hours during winter weather
Interstate 71 was blocked by a group of semi trucks stuck in the snow for nearly seven hours near the Brent Spence Bridge on Sunday.
The incident began on January 5th at about 3:15 p.m. along Fort Washington Way in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to ABC 9, multiple semi trucks got stuck in snow and ice at the Brent Spence Bridge on-ramp, causing backups along Interstate 71 south to the Gilbert Avenue exit.
UPDATE: We now have a closer view at what is going on along the on-ramp of I-71 Southbound getting to NKY over the Brent Spence Bridge. Absolute standstill right now#WCPO #Cincywx pic.twitter.com/fG0q2j6W1f
— Brandon Spinner WCPO (@wxSpinner89) January 5, 2025
The Ohio Department of Transportation urged drivers to find an alternate route while it attempted to get plow and tow crews to the area. Two plow crews arrived at the scene just after 8:30 p.m., allowing the roadway to partially reopen.
Just after 10 p.m. that evening, crews were able to remove at least one stuck semi truck from the roadway, allowing traffic to begin flowing again after approximately seven hours.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and no other information has been released.
Two @ODOT_Cincinnati plows are trying to clear the ramp from Fort Washington Way (I-71) to I-75. It has been a challenge all evening. Again, if you can avoid traveling tonight in southern Ohio, please do. #ODOTwinter pic.twitter.com/STNL7C25Sy
— Matt Bruning (@mbruning81) January 6, 2025