New York State Police Investigating Multi-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 81 in Jefferson County

The New York State Police are investigating a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Jefferson County that impacted both northbound and southbound lanes between Exit 44 and Exit 45 in the City of Watertown.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:58 a.m. and involved multiple commercial and passenger vehicles. A preliminary investigation determined that seven tractor-trailers and nine passenger vehicles were involved in the southbound lanes. In the northbound lanes, two tractor-trailers, three passenger vehicles, and one work van were involved.

The incident included a jackknifed tractor-trailer and resulted in four reported minor injuries.

Based on the initial investigation, whiteout conditions are believed to be a contributing factor.

Traffic in the southbound lanes has been detoured at Exit 44 onto Arsenal Street in the City of Watertown. Interstate 81 northbound between Exits 44 and 45 was temporarily closed but has since reopened. The southbound lanes remain closed as crews continue vehicle removal operations under hazardous weather conditions.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Motorists are urged to use caution and be mindful of rapidly changing weather conditions in the area.