Multi-Semi Crashes South of Effingham (UPDATE)

Both lanes of northbound I-57 are blocked south of Effingham due to several multi-vehicle collisions.

The crashes are south of where northbound I-57 merges with eastbound I-70, so there are no problems for motorists on I-70. Those traveling north on I-57 are asked to route off the interstate at the Edgewood interchange, then get back onto the interstate once you reach Effingham.

At one point, there were four multi-vehicle collisions on northbound I-57 at the 150, 154, 156 and 157 milemarkers...four crashes in a seven-mile stretch. There were reports of entrapment at three of those locations, although we had no reports of injuries.

That led Illinois State Police to begin routing northbound traffic off the interstate at the Edgewood interchange. The traffic is heading north through Edgewood, Mason and Watson to Effingham, where they can get back on the interstate to continue their journey north, or to head east or west on I-70. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns wanted residents of those areas to know the reason behind any increase in traffic while the situation exists.

We will keep you up to date.