Nebraska's I-80 Closed as Jack-Knifed Semis Cause Snowy Standstill

Nebraska state officials have issued a cautionary advisory to drivers, urging increased vigilance on snow-covered roads following an incident where semi trucks skidded sideways, resulting in a traffic backup and the subsequent closure of an interstate highway on Monday afternoon, December 25, 2023.

In an official update, the Nebraska State Patrol communicated the closure of eastbound I-80 at York due to multiple jack-knifed semis situated at mile marker 353, as posted on their official communication platform.

“Eastbound I-80 is CLOSED at York due to multiple jack-knifed semis at mile marker 353,” the Nebraska State Patrol posted on X.

A photograph released by the Nebraska Department of Transportation depicted a scene where at least two semi-trucks had jack-knifed, obstructing the path for numerous trucks stranded behind them on the snow-covered roadway. 

Local TV station KLKN reported a series of accidents along I-80 on Monday, December 25, attributed to adverse winter weather conditions.

State patrol officials strongly discouraged travel under snowy conditions, emphasizing the hazards posed by the situation. 

The state's transportation department, via an alert on X platform, highlighted the presence of black ice and advised drivers to disable cruise control, reduce speed, and maintain increased distance between vehicles as precautionary measures.

“Black Ice Alert: Be advised - the ice is worse than it looks. Turn off cruise control, slow down, and leave space between vehicles.” Nebraska DOT announced.