On a busy Friday morning when Oregon’s spring break kicks off and many people are traveling, the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were blocked by a crash involving a jackknifed semi as of 7:30 a.m. Friday.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said the crash is blocking all southbound lanes and there is no current estimate of when lanes will reopen. The crash is at milepost 166, about eight miles south of Cottage Grove.
There are no alternate routes or detours in that area. With winter weather dropping snow over much of Oregon’s higher elevations, ODOT Region 2 communications manager David House suggests travelers delay or reschedule their trips for several hours to avoid being stuck in the backup.
ODOT also warns of trying to use mapping software to find detours in the area. Detours off established highways, especially in winter weather conditions, can be dangerous.
Northbound lanes are not affected.
This post may be updated.
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