US 26 closed due to white out conditions, crashes
RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 12:55 p.m. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, Idaho State Police, Jefferson Central, Idaho Falls and Swan Valley Fire have been handling multiple vehicle slide offs and crashes Tuesday morning across US26 from Ririe to the Wyoming border.
Currently the Idaho Transportation Dept. has closed US26 in that section along with Highway 31 from Swan Valley to Victor due to extreme weather conditions and zero visibility.
Around 9 a.m., while handling a multi-car crash near Antelope Creek Rd on US26, an ITD snow plow working to open the area and assist emergency personnel was unable to stop before striking an ISP Patrol Car and two other vehicles. Conditions at that time were very slick with blowing snow and low visibility.
Just prior to the collision, a vehicle came through the crash scene on the right shoulder around the ISP car and back to the left side of tow and other emergency vehicles almost striking several of them at speeds too fast for conditions.
Two ISP troopers were in the patrol car at the time of the collision, both were taken to the hospital as a precaution for minor injuries. Emergency personnel treated others involved on scene.
Currently emergency personnel are working with the Ririe School Dist. on arrangements for students who live beyond closed areas and parents should communicate with the school for directions. Parents should not attempt to travel beyond road closures or other routes at this time to facilitate picking up their students.
The LDS church in Swan Valley has been set up as a shelter for stranded motorists until roads can be safely reopened.
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies remind motorists it’s important to not travel beyond road closed areas and signs, and to slow down when weather conditions limit visibility and roadways are slick. Especially when any emergency lights are present working to safely clear the roadway or treat injured persons. Do your part to avoid placing unnecessary risk to yourself and first responders who may need to come rescue you in an emergency.
ORIGINAL: Idaho State Police reports US26 is currently closed from milepost 355 to 377 due to white out conditions and crashes.
One reason why US26 is closed.
— Idaho State Police (@ISPeasternIdaho) February 28, 2023
Find alternate routes. @IdahoITD is busy this morning to open roads. Winds are causing whiteout conditions. It may be awhile folks. pic.twitter.com/ZZCo5JNFjW
Police say to find alternate routes as the closure may last a while.
US 20 is also closed in both directions from milepost 273 to 305.
SH-33 is closed from milepost 107 to 131, and SH-32 from milepost 0 to milepost 28.
NF-62 is also closed from milepost 2 to 12.
