Interstate 71 South reopened late Friday morning after a jackknifed tractor-trailer shut down every southbound lane near East North Broadway Street on Columbus’ North Side. The closure struck during the heart of the rainy Oct. 2 morning commute, forcing drivers into heavy detours across the city’s North Side.
The Ohio Department of Transportation’s live traffic map showed all southbound lanes closed as of 8:30 a.m. Traffic cameras at the scene captured rainy conditions and the jackknifed rig blocking every lane of the roadway. The shutdown remained in place for several hours before crews cleared the scene.
All lanes reopened before noon, according to transportation officials. The roadway was restored in time for the midday travel period after tow crews and maintenance teams worked through the morning to remove the trailer and clear debris from the wet pavement.
Authorities have not released details on the driver or what caused the truck to jackknife. The morning’s downpour reduced visibility and slickened roadways across central Ohio, and rain continues through the afternoon.
