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    I-80 Westbound in Clarion County Closed Due to Multi-Vehicle Crash

    January 03, 2025

    Indiana, PA – PennDOT is announcing that a multi-vehicle crash has caused I-80 Westbound to close between Exit 60: PA 66 North –Shippenville and Exit 45: PA 478 – Emlenton/St. Petersburg in Clarion County.  The estimated time to reopen is 5:00 PM but is subject to change based on conditions.

    Motorists should use caution in the area. 

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways, especially during snow squalls or low-visibility conditions that may occur.

    Motorists always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility.

    While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow: 

    • Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
    • Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
    • Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
    • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
    • Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
    • Use your defroster and wipers.
    • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
    • During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
    • Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
    • Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
    • Always buckle up and never drive impaired. 

    If a crash occurs due to or during a snow squall and you are involved or stopped due to the crash:

    • In most cases, you are safer in your vehicle with seat belts fastened.
    • If possible, drive slowly to the front of the pileup and get off travel lanes.
    • If you must leave your car for an emergency, try to wait until it looks safe.
    • Do not stand outside your vehicle on or near the roadway.

    Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

    Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

    511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. 

    Subscribe to PennDOT news in in Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District10.

    Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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    MEDIA CONTACT: Tina Gibbs, chgibbs@pa.gov or 724-357-2829