Multiple tractor-trailer accidents on I-85 caused major traffic disruptions this week. Early Tuesday, a truck overturned near Concord around 7:30 a.m. at Kannapolis Parkway, closing southbound lanes for several hours. The North Carolina Department of Transportation estimated the scene would clear by 11:30 a.m. The Highway Patrol confirmed there were no fatalities; injury details are unknown, according to the WCNC reports.
Just two days prior, a similar situation unfolded when another tractor-trailer flipped on the northbound side of the Interstate during treacherous winter conditions. The incident, which occurred near mile marker 17 between Exits 20 (New Hope Road) and Exit 17 (US-321) in Gaston County, forced the closure of I-85 North. According to reports from QC News, this episode occurred Sunday afternoon, thankfully resulting in no reported injuries.
Winter Storm Fern has left sleet and ice across the Charlotte area, making roads hazardous. Officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution. An Ice Storm Warning warns that roadways may become treacherous and impassable, especially during the Monday morning commute, according to The Charlotte Observer's report.
Commuters were advised to delay or avoid travel due to the winter storm and falling tree limbs. Freezing rain could continue into early Sunday evening, with temperatures dropping to around 11 degrees Monday night. Residents are urged to exercise caution on the roads.
