Update at 2:00 p.m C.T:
From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: The crashes earlier today between Glendale and Cave City on Interstate 65 southbound have been cleared and both lanes are open to traffic. The northbound direction has one lane open to traffic. Due to the length of the back-ups for both directions, it may take a bit for the queues to clear out.
In addition, salt trucks were not able to treat those portions of roadway where the back-ups were located, allowing ice to build up on those sections of interstate. Salt trucks from District 3 and 4 are working in tandem to rectify this situation.
Temperatures have risen somewhat but motorists are advised to use caution and be prepared for icy spots again this afternoon/evening as below freezing temperatures move back in for the night.
Update at 12:38 p.m. C.T.: One lane is open eastbound on the Western Kentucky Parkway at the 84 mile marker in Ohio County. Caution is required in the area due to ongoing recovery work at the crash site.
Update at 12:04 p.m. C.T.: Crews have been able to access I65 and treat southbound lanes between Elizabethtown and Upton. Addressing the condition of the road was necessary before allowing motorists to continue. Traffic has been released and the interstate is open southbound.
Northbound remains blocked around Upton. Traffic is being pushed over to US 31W for northbound travel.
Upddate at 11:40 a.m. C.T.: KY 630 is closed at the 6 mile marker in Hopkins County due to downed power lines. It closed at approximately 9 a.m. and is expected to remain closed until about 1:00 p.m. for utility work.
The Western KY Parkway eastbound remains closed at the 84 mm in OHIO County. No estimate on opening time.
Update at 10:20am C.T.: Road conditions are improving across the region, but widespread ice continues to hamper travel.
A multi-vehicle crash is reported involving a semi-truck on KY 54 near the intersection with KY 919 in Ohio County.
The Western Kentucky Parkway eastbound lanes continue to be closed in Ohio County. There is also a report of power lines down along KY 630 in Hopkins County.
Update at 9:20am: Interstate 65 north of Cave City and on up into Hardin County has been closed in places due to the number of crashes impacting both directions. Road conditions have made it difficult to clear these crashes, and with the number of accidents there is a shortage of wreckers to assist with these incidents.
For highway assistance, SAFE Patrol dispatchers can be reached at 877-367-5982. Conditions reports on major routes are available by calling 511, or at 511.ky.gov.
Original Post: Ice and freezing rain are wreaking havoc on driving conditions throughout the region Friday. Here is a look at the latest lane closures reported by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
In the Barren/Hart County region along I-65:
I-65 northbound between the Barren and Hart County line and mile marker 56 in Hart County is blocked due to a multi-vehicle crash. No word yet on when this is expected to clear.
In the Elizabethtown area:
I-65 South is closed between mile markers 86-88 in Hardin County. There is an accident involving a jack-knifed semi trailer. This closure is expected to last until 11:15 am eastern time.
And:
A multi-vehicle crash on I-65 northbound between mile marker 86 in Hardin County and the Bluegrass Parkway has blocked the roadways there. This is expected to last until about 10:15am eastern time.
Also:
Southbound access to Interstate 65 has been restricted in Hardin County from Elizabethtown south toward LaRue/Hart County. Additional freezing rain is falling and continues to compound hazardous road conditions.
Department of Highways road crews are treating roads in the region but are also having a difficult time navigating the roads and getting around accidents. Other state maintained routes are also experiencing similar icing conditions in Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue and Green Counties.
In Jefferson County:
There are several accidents causing traffic problems in the Jefferson County region. A vehicle spun out on I-65 south at mile marker 130 and blocked the right lane of traffic.
This happened near the exit to Louisville’s international airport and I-264. Motorists should proceed with extreme caution due to the icy road conditions.
You can find the latest Kentucky road closure information here.