GREENWICH TWP., Pa. – Lanes are moving again on Interstate 78 in Berks County after a major multi-vehicle crash forced a hours-long closure.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Brownback confirmed that both lanes of I-78 are reopened as of 4 p.m..
As snow moved through the region, it didn’t take long for roads to turn hazardous.
The crash happened this morning in the westbound lanes near mile marker 39.1 in Greenwich Township, Berks County.
Initial emergency dispatches called for a multi-vehicle crash in the area.
State Police say four commercial and eight passenger vehicles were involved in the crash that shut down a miles-long stretch of the interstate Saturday.
Sydney Kay – WFMZ-TV
With the snow disrupting visibility and road conditions, emergency crews struggled to know which vehicles were either disabled or involved in the crash.
An issue that was seen all across Berks County.
“There’s a lot of cars on the side of the road, people jamming on their breaks,” Billy Jones said, from Lancaster.
“Some people were definitely going a little too fast for the conditions right now,” said Laura Jones, from Lancaster.
That snow started around 7 a.m. when we caught up with drivers in Maidencreek Township who were hoping others behind the wheel would be cautious.
“I drive a tow truck on the weekends and if it’s snowing, you see people just flying by. I’m going really slow and they’re just flying by and I’m thinking, ‘Oh man. I’m going to see him up in a ditch up the road,'” Russ Beckner, from Fleetwood, said.
Large flakes fell for hours, while plows were trying to keep up.
“Where it hasn’t been plowed or anything put down and it’s starting to pack, it’s really slippery so you have to be really careful,” said Billy Jones.
Vehicles pulled over or abandoned on the roads had many who were out encouraging others to be aware.
“Be careful, watch out for other cars. Anything can happen when it’s snowing,” said Jacob Wolfson, from Maidencreek Township.
Tow trucks clearing away what was left of the pileup on 78, a stark reminder of that fact.
I-78 is currently closed westbound between exits #45 and #35.
The eastbound lanes are closed at Exit #35, according to PSP.
It is not known at this time how many people were injured.
Sydney Kay – WFMZ-TV
Drivers are advised to expect delays in the area and follow posted detours.
View real-time roadway conditions on the 69 News PennDOT traffic camera page.