WATERTOWN & RICHLAND, New York — Multiple multi-vehicle crashes along Interstate 81 caused major disruptions Tuesday, with more than 60 vehicles involved across two separate incidents in northern New York.
In the Town of Watertown, Interstate 81 northbound and southbound reopened at approximately 12:30 p.m. after crashes involving 22 vehicles.
The closure impacted all lanes of I-81 southbound from Arsenal Street to Exit 43 at Kellogg Hill. Authorities also shut down lanes in both directions during the incident.
Officials diverted all traffic into Watertown using U.S. Route 11.
State police said the southbound crash involved 7 tractor trailers and 9 passenger vehicles. The northbound crash involved 2 tractor trailers, 3 passenger vehicles, and a work van.
Authorities reported minor injuries in the Watertown accidents.
Photo credit: NYSP
At the same time, another major crash occurred farther south on Interstate 81 in the town of Richland, Oswego County.
The New York State Police and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a separate multi-vehicle crash on I-81 southbound between Exit 126 in Pulaski and Exit 131 at Tinker Tavern.
Officials said the Richland crash involved approximately 40 vehicles, including multiple tractor trailers.
Authorities closed Interstate 81 southbound at the Pulaski exit to allow emergency crews to respond.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and expect significant delays.
The Richland crash remains under active investigation, and officials said more information will be released as it becomes available.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
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