Light snow creates big traffic problems

Multi-car crash on Highway 51. Image courtesy: Russ Murkowski/WAOW TV
Multi-car crash on Highway 51. Image courtesy: Russ Murkowski/WAOW TV

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- Sunday proved to be a dangerous day for travel across Central Wisconsin.

Light snow began falling shortly after 8 AM, causing slick roadways in every direction around Wausau and shutting down major highways.

Highway 51 was closed off for several hours Sunday morning due to several weather-related crashes near Brokaw. Traffic was re-routed to County Highway WW and K during that time. Between 15-20 vehicles were reported to have been involved in that incident, thankfully no one was injured.

Similar incidents snarled traffic along Interstate 39 south of Wausau near Kronenwetter and Rothschild. Those incidents blocked traffic for nearly two hours.

A crash also closed a portion of Highway 29 near Thorp.

The granddaddy of them all proved to be a 40-vehicle pileup that involved 33 cars and 7 semis along Interstate 94 in Eau Claire County. At least 7 people were injured, including one with life-threatening injuries. As of 4:30 PM I-94 was closed off until 5:30 PM while that crash was investigated.

Traffic going west on I-94 was diverted to Osseo at exit 88 to Highway 53. Eastbound traffic was asked to detour at exit 81 at Foster to Highway 53.

Comments