News Summary
Asheville faced significant traffic issues due to icy conditions, leading to multiple accidents on the Capt. Jeff Bowen Bridge. The North Carolina Department of Transportation had to close lanes in response to two crashes caused by slippery roads. The Asheville Police Department is investigating the incidents, while motorists are urged to exercise caution during ongoing winter weather challenges.
Traffic Mayhem on the Capt. Jeff Bowen Bridge: A Winter Wonderland of Crashes in Asheville
Asheville is experiencing a snowy morning that has turned into a traffic nightmare for many locals. On Thursday, the Capt. Jeff Bowen Bridge saw not one, but two dramatic crashes in both directions, causing all sorts of confusion and delays.
Crashes and Congestion
It all kicked off when a truck in the westbound lanes lost control, crashing right into the bridge’s concrete barrier. This mishap happened after the truck zigzagged across multiple lanes of traffic, leaving onlookers shocked. Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, another truck was spotted fishtailing in the eastbound lanes! Talk about a rough morning!
Due to the icy conditions, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) swiftly closed off two of the three westbound lanes of I-240 near Exit 3B. The expectation was to clear the area by 9 a.m., but hang tight, traffic was at a standstill just waiting for relief. Eastbound lanes were also impacted, with three out of four lanes closed, and they aimed to reopen by 8 a.m.
Slick Roads and Snowy Risks
Overnight, flurries of snow blanketed the mountain areas, and with temperatures hovering in the 20s, it was a recipe for perilous driving conditions. Icy patches were certainly making the roads treacherous! Just when it seemed like things were settling down around 8:30 a.m., another rear-end collision occurred, further complicating the morning commute. The bridge icing was suspected to be a major culprit in this incident as well.
Investigation Underway
The Asheville Police Department (APD) has rolled up its sleeves and is actively investigating all aspects surrounding these unfortunate crashes. They are digging into the details to get to the bottom of what happened on this wild winter morning.
More Trouble in Spartanburg
The icy conditions weren’t just limited to Asheville. Over in Spartanburg, South Carolina, another traffic incident unfolded on Asheville Highway around 2 p.m. A collision involving two vehicles resulted in damage to several power poles. One of those vehicles managed to strike a power pole, knocking down two others in the process. Thankfully, crews worked diligently to repair the poles and reopen the traffic lanes just a few hours later.
Safety Concerns Persist
Speaking of safety, let’s rewind a bit to earlier this month when a pedestrian in west Asheville was critically injured due to a single-vehicle crash. A Nissan Pathfinder veered off the road, tragically striking a pedestrian and colliding with several objects. Incidents like these remind us to stay alert and cautious during difficult driving conditions.
As if that wasn’t enough to worry about, the driving conditions in the region remain challenging, and there are continued warnings about potential power outages due to the unpredictable weather. Residents are being urged to prepare for anything! And with additional reports of a wrong-way crash on I-40 in Buncombe County, in which a 21-year-old man lost his life, the ongoing concerns about roadway safety during these winter storms are pushed even further into the spotlight.
Weather Woes and Precautions
As drivers navigate the slick and icy roads, authorities are emphasizing the importance of staying safe, obeying traffic rules, and being prepared for further weather-related challenges. Along with warnings about strong winds and heightened wildfire risks, it is a time for everyone to be extra cautious.
So, to everyone in Asheville and surrounding areas: take it easy out there! These icy roads are no joke, and it’s always better to arrive late than to risk it on the roads. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep that drive slow!
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Capt. Jeff Bowen Bridge Crashes
- Fox Carolina: Crash Destroys Power Poles in Spartanburg
- WLOS: Pedestrian Injured in Crash
- ABC11: Wrong-Way Crash in Buncombe County
- Fox Carolina: I-40 Traffic Closure in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collisions
