OSSEO, Wisconsin — Interstate 94 has reopened to one lane in both directions after icy conditions in western Wisconsin triggered a series of crashes and pileups that closed the interstate for much of the day, according to reports by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) said all lanes of the heavily-used interstate were blocked for much of the day, closing I-94 from the town of Osseo in Trempealeau County to Northfield in Jackson County. The State Patrol refuted a report that says more than 100 vehicles are involved in the pileups, but told WEAU Television that there are "a lot of cars, a lot of semis" involved as of 8 a.m. Thursday.
As of 4:30 p.m., the freeway remained closed, though WisDOT said "all drivable automobiles and semi units" had been cleared from the roadway. Crews continued to work to move damaged vehicles, until WisDOT released a statement just after 9:30 p.m. that a single lane each way had reopened.
In the department's final update Thursday night, officials said all re-routes had been taken down, and cleanup was expected to be completed, allowing all lanes to reopen.
Wis. State Patrol Sgt. Sean Berkowitch tells WEAU that the pavement was so icy that vehicles couldn't get up hills. State troopers and first responders were working on a number of active crashes in the area.
Pictures from the scene showed at least one vehicle on fire. There is no word yet on injuries or possible fatalities.
Both the state patrol and local authorities warned motorists about the dangerous road conditions, and urged them to stay home.