Snow Drifts, Crashes Cause Problems on I-95

From the New Hampshire State Police:

On Monday, Feb. 16, at approximately 8:33 a.m., Troopers assigned to the New Hampshire State Police Troop A barracks responded to a report of several motor vehicle accidents on Interstate 95 southbound by Exit 5 in the city of Portsmouth.

Upon arrival, Troopers encountered three single motor vehicle accidents which involved all three travel lanes in this area. Troopers also encountered a single motor vehicle that went off the roadway on the Exit 5 southbound off ramp. Additionally, a pick-up truck struck and went over the left guardrail. This vehicle rolled over and came to a final rest approximately 50 feet down the embankment. At the time Troopers dealt with whiteout conditions as the blowing snow made visibility virtually impossible.

With the safety of the motorists on this section of the roadway at the forefront, the decision was made to close I-95 southbound in this area until the roadway could be cleared of vehicles and travel could be safely resumed.

At 9:05 a.m., all travel lanes on Interstate 95 were closed. Traffic was diverted down the exit #5 off ramp and onto the Spaulding Turnpike. At 9:36 a.m., the right two travel lanes were re-opened. The left lane remained closed until approximately 11:05 a.m. as the vehicle that went over the guardrail was removed.

Minor injuries were reported in this incident. None of the other accidents or vehicles off the road resulted in any injuries.

The New Hampshire State Police would like to remind motorists that blowing snow can cause decreased visibility, as well as the accumulation of snow drifts in the travel lanes. We urge all motorists to use caution throughout the State, and specifically the area on Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 7 to Exit 4. Motorists need to be cognizant of this potential hazard and modify their driving behaviors accordingly.

Traveling too fast for the existing conditions are likely causes for all of these incidents. Investigation is ongoing and enforcement action will be taken where warranted.

The New Hampshire State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Portsmouth Police Department, the Portsmouth Fire Department, the Maine State Police, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.