I-70 Westbound Shut Down in Vigo County — What We Know So Far in This Urgent Indiana Traffic Alert
VIGO COUNTY, IN — If you’re planning to drive west on Interstate 70 through Vigo County today, you’ll want to think twice. A serious crash Wednesday afternoon has brought westbound traffic to a complete standstill, and for many drivers, what was supposed to be a routine trip has turned into an hours-long headache. This Indiana Traffic Alert is still unfolding, with emergency crews on the scene and delays stacking up fast.
The crash happened just after 12:30 p.m., and according to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), a semi-truck jackknifed across multiple lanes near the 10-mile marker. That single moment of impact appears to have triggered a chain reaction involving several other vehicles. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported so far — but at least one person has been taken to the hospital.
Traffic officers, firefighters, and medics rushed in to help. As of now, there’s no clear estimate on when the westbound lanes will reopen.
Indiana Traffic Alert: What Drivers Need to Know Right Now
If you’re heading west on I-70, expect major detours and heavy congestion. INDOT has rerouted traffic at the West Street and Harding Street exits, but surrounding roads — including US 41 and parts of Terre Haute — are now jammed with spillover traffic.
This Indiana Traffic Alert is especially tough for commuters, truck drivers on tight schedules, and families trying to reach destinations across state lines. Local officials say they’re doing all they can to clear the wreckage and reopen the highway, but it may take several hours.
How This Crash Is Hitting the Community
For people living nearby, the crash wasn’t just a traffic problem — it was a moment of real fear. Residents say sirens echoed through the area for nearly an hour as emergency vehicles streamed in. Local delivery trucks are delayed. Some drivers have been stuck with no clear way out, and travelers unfamiliar with the area are struggling to navigate detours.
Business owners in Vigo County are already reporting disruptions. Some had freight on that road. Others had employees caught in the traffic. One local driver stuck near the shutdown said, “You just don’t expect this kind of chaos in the middle of your workday — and then suddenly, everything’s at a standstill.”
What You Can Do Now
Authorities are asking for patience, and most importantly, for drivers to avoid the westbound lanes of I-70 entirely until further notice. If you’re not on the road, reach out to friends or family who might be stuck and check in. If you’re already caught in traffic, stay calm and listen to real-time updates from reliable sources.
You can follow live updates through INDOT, 511IN.org, and local news stations. Road crews and law enforcement are doing their best to clear the area as quickly and safely as possible.
FAQ About Indiana Traffic Alert
1. So, what actually happened on I-70 this afternoon?
There was a serious crash involving a semi-truck that lost control and jackknifed across the westbound lanes. A few other vehicles got caught up in it too. It all happened near mile marker 10 in Vigo County, and traffic has been completely stopped ever since.
2. Was anyone seriously hurt?
Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, but at least one person was taken to the hospital. Emergency crews got there quickly and are still working at the scene. It’s a reminder of how fast things can go wrong out on the road.
3. How long is this going to last?
That’s the big question. Right now, there’s no official word on when the westbound side of I-70 will reopen. Cleanup and investigation take time, especially when big trucks are involved. Best bet? Avoid the area for the rest of the day if you can.
4. Is there a way around it if I absolutely have to drive that way?
Yes, but be ready for delays. Drivers are being rerouted at West Street and Harding Street, and US 41 is another option — though that’s getting pretty jammed too. If you’re familiar with Terre Haute back roads, they might help, but it’s slow-going no matter what.
5. How are people in the area handling this?
It’s been tough. People living nearby said sirens were constant for a while. Some commuters are stuck in their cars waiting for updates. Businesses are feeling it too — deliveries are late, employees are delayed, and it’s just one of those days where everything’s out of rhythm.
