Thousands of drivers stuck in 20 mile backup after spun-out semis force interstate shutdown
Oregon transportation officials say that drivers are running out of food and fuel after a major overnight interstate closure.
Westbound I-84 from Hood River to Cascade Locks in Oregon remains shut down as of noon on February 13 after tough winter weather conditions contributed to several semi trucks crashing or getting stuck on the interstate about two miles west of Hood River, according to KGW.
Traffic backups of more than 20 miles have been reported.
Local reports indicate that some of the crashed semi trucks were not chained up even through chain requirements were in place.
Found part of the problem of the secondary backup WB I-84 at Cascade Locks. More semis w/o chains had gotten stuck. Getting a tow. #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/bhsaca3tvE
— Mary Loos (@MLoosKATU) February 13, 2019
Eastbound I-84 remains open, but packed snow and ice have made driving conditions treacherous.
I’ve never seen anything like it. Miles of gridlock. Nobody is moving. It’s I-84 WB west of Hood River. Thousands of vehicles, mostly trucks, stuck behind spun out trucks. Stuck for as many as 12 hours, based on calls we’ve received @KGWNews WB is now closed at Hood River. pic.twitter.com/OpDcEPxJKj
— Tim Gordon (@TimGordonPDX) February 13, 2019
Thousands of passenger and commercial vehicle drivers stuck in the traffic backup caused by the interstate shutdown have been forced to sleep in their vehicles on the roadway and many people are reportedly running low on fuel, food, and water.
This is the view for a truck driver from Springfield, trying to get back from Ontario. He’s been stuck on I 84 westbound for 14 hours! The trucks are separated to make room for tow trucks to come through to head of line and move stuck trucks. This is a huge problem. @KGWNews pic.twitter.com/XGP3PXF8Pf
— Tim Gordon (@TimGordonPDX) February 13, 2019
The road closure has left so many drivers stranded for so long that law enforcement officers are checking on drivers and providing them with food and fuel when possible.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says that they hope to have westbound I-84 back open as soon as possible.
ODOT says that this is “an awful situation and we apologize to everyone caught in this.”
Drivers are asked to check current road conditions before setting out on a trip. You can follow ODOT on Twitter to keep up with the latest information.