A significant disturbance unfolded on I-79 in Allegheny County this morning as a tractor-trailer fire prompted the shutdown of the inbound lanes, causing traffic to snarl and emergency services to descend upon the scene. The incident, which took place near the on-ramp from Warrendale Bayne Road at the Warrendale interchange, initially forced the closure of all lanes.
However, by the early afternoon, some relief came for commuters. By 12:57 p.m., two lanes had been reopened to traffic, as reported by WPXI. Despite this progress, residual delays continued to plague the area for some time after the lanes reopened.
The fire affected the southbound direction of the interstate, particularly near the Warrendale (Exit 75), south of the Warrendale exit in Marshall Township. Emergency crews were quick to respond, with firefighters working diligently to extinguish the flames that had engulfed what is believed to have been a tractor-trailer.
Travelers experienced significant backups, extending almost to Route 228 on 79, causing delays and a need for alternate routes, according to Audacy. The recommended detour for those caught in the traffic was to take Route 19, as it offered a temporary respite from the congestion.
Details on the cause of the fire and whether there were any injuries were not immediately available.
