I-70 Traffic Snarled After Tractor-Trailer Crash Near Hanley Road

I-70 Traffic Snarled After Tractor-Trailer Crash Near Hanley Road

A serious tractor-trailer crash on eastbound Interstate 70 (I-70) near Hanley Road in St. Louis, Missouri has caused major traffic disruption.

Two right lanes and the right shoulder were closed following the collision, with traffic expected to remain affected into the late evening. Authorities are actively managing the scene and warning drivers about delays.

Key Details & Timeline

DetailInformation
DateMonday, September 22, 2025
Time of crash report~ 5:20 p.m. CDT
LocationEastbound I-70 at Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO
Vehicles involvedA tractor-trailer and unspecified others (crash caused blockage)
Closed lanesTwo right lanes + right shoulder closed; only one lane open
Expected full clearanceApproximately 10:22 p.m. CDT
Authority in chargeMissouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) & local traffic control
Advice to driversUse alternate routes; monitor MoDOT traveler information map

What Happened

At around 5:20 p.m., a tractor-trailer crash was reported on the eastbound side of I-70 at Hanley Road. The collision was severe enough to force the closure of the two rightmost lanes plus the right shoulder, significantly reducing traffic throughput. Only one lane remained open for traffic flow.

Emergency crews and traffic management units responded promptly. MoDOT issued warnings for motorists and estimated that cleanup and traffic restoration might continue until about 10:22 p.m. Drivers were encouraged to check the state’s traveler information map for real-time updates and possible detours.

Traffic Impact & Public Response

  • Motorists on eastbound I-70 experienced delays of several hours, especially in the busiest stretch near Hanley Road.
  • Because of lane closures, traffic backed up considerably until after rush hour.
  • Local news and traffic services provided frequent updates, urging drivers to avoid the area if possible.
  • Many shifted to alternate routes or delayed travel until after the road was cleared.

Investigation & Safety Concerns

  • Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash: whether it was due to driver error, mechanical failure, weather/visibility, or road conditions.
  • Crash scene cleared over several hours, involving tow trucks, clean-up crews, and traffic control personnel to ensure safety.
  • No publicized reports yet of injuries or fatalities, but more information awaited from official sources.

Why This Matters

  • Safety risks increase significantly when large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers are involved.
  • Disruptions like this highlight the importance of infrastructure management and emergency response protocols.
  • Delays often ripple through alternate routes, causing wider traffic congestion in adjacent areas.
  • Transparent, timely communication (via MoDOT, traffic alerts) is crucial for public safety and minimizing inconvenience.

The tractor-trailer crash on eastbound I-70 near Hanley Road has triggered major lane closures and traffic delays, especially during prime evening hours. With only one lane open and right-side lanes blocked, motorists should expect long delays until cleanup crews complete their work.

While the cause and full consequences remain under investigation, staying informed via official channels and planning alternative routes are essential. Traffic conditions are expected to return to normal by late evening.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *