I-90 Westbound Chaos: 5 Critical Incidents That Shut Down Traffic This Week

The Interstate 90 corridor, a vital artery of commerce and travel spanning from Seattle to Boston, has seen a series of disruptive and severe accidents in the westbound lanes over the past few days, with new incidents continuing to challenge commuters as of December 17, 2025. The sheer volume of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and passenger traffic, especially during the busy winter season, makes the highway susceptible to major collisions, often resulting in hours-long closures and significant delays. Our analysis focuses on the most critical recent events, providing travelers with the latest insights into the nature of these incidents, from multi-vehicle pile-ups to single-vehicle injury crashes, and the ripple effect they have on local and long-distance travel.

The pattern of recent I-90 westbound incidents highlights distinct regional challenges, from semi-truck collisions in the Midwest to congestion-related crashes in the Pacific Northwest. Understanding the specific locations and causes of these major traffic disruptions is essential for anyone planning a route along this transcontinental highway, as even minor events can quickly escalate into full-scale closures requiring extensive emergency response and cleanup operations.

The Anatomy of Recent I-90 Westbound Major Incidents

Interstate 90, the longest interstate highway in the United States, is a magnet for traffic incidents due to its length and diverse driving conditions. The most recent reports confirm a worrying trend of major closures in key sections of the westbound lanes, demanding immediate attention from state police and transportation departments.

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Case Study 1: The Winona County Semi-Truck Collision (Minnesota)

One of the most significant recent events involved a major semi-truck collision that completely shut down westbound I-90 in Winona County, Minnesota. The crash occurred near the exit for Minnesota 74, prompting the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) to issue immediate alerts and divert traffic.

• Location: I-90 Westbound, near the junction of Winona County Road 29 and Minnesota 74 (near Lewiston).
• Type of Incident: Multi-semi-truck collision.
• Impact: The crash resulted in the full closure of the westbound lanes for an extended period.
• Roadway Debris: Reports indicated that the wreckage involved a spill of cargo, including a large volume of diapers, which complicated the cleanup efforts and extended the duration of the closure.
• Response: Emergency responders and specialized cleanup crews were deployed to clear the wreckage and the spilled cargo, underscoring the complexity of clearing commercial vehicle accidents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) are involved in a high-speed collision, often leading to extensive traffic congestion and the necessity of long-distance detours for travelers.

Case Study 2: Medical Lake Closure (Washington State)

Further west, near Spokane, Washington, another semi-truck crash significantly impacted traffic on I-90 westbound. This area, particularly west of Spokane near Medical Lake, is a critical bottleneck for regional commerce and travel, and any closure here sends immediate shockwaves through the local transportation network.

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The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) had to manage the fallout, which included severe delays and real-time traffic alerts advising commuters to seek alternative routes. These types of collisions often involve complex maneuvers to safely remove the large vehicles and ensure the structural integrity of the roadway is maintained.

Case Study 3: The Mile Marker 32.75 Injury Crash (Illinois)

Closer to the Chicago metropolitan area, the Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District reported an injury accident on westbound I-90 at Mile Marker 32.75.

While details on the specific date and cause are limited in initial reports, the mention of an injury crash underscores the constant danger posed by high-speed traffic in this densely populated section of the Interstate. Injury crashes require immediate attention from first responders, including ambulances and fire rescue, often leading to temporary lane closures to provide medical aid and clear the scene. The consistent presence of injury-related incidents on the I-90 highlights the need for increased driver awareness and adherence to safe following distances.

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The Wider Impact: I-90 Traffic Alerts and Road Conditions

The severity of I-90 accidents is often compounded by the sheer length of the highway, which traverses multiple states with varying terrain and weather. Travelers must be constantly aware of changing conditions, particularly during the late fall and early winter months when sudden snow or ice can create black ice conditions.

Interstate 90 Regional Alerts and Hazards

• Minnesota (MN): The Minnesota State Patrol frequently issues alerts for crashes, often related to slick conditions or driver fatigue, which is a major contributing factor in many semi-truck incidents.
• Washington (WA): In Washington, alerts often focus on the mountain passes, but lowland incidents, such as the collision at the SR 18 off-ramp near I-90, also cause significant local disruption. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) provides critical real-time updates and customizable email alerts for current traffic conditions and mountain pass reports.
• New York (NY): The New York State Thruway Authority, which manages the I-90 segment through New York, regularly reports on road maintenance operations and occasional incidents, emphasizing the need for caution even during non-accident-related slowdowns.
• Wyoming (WY): In more remote sections, such as Wyoming, the WYDOT 511 Service frequently warns of high, dangerous impacts expected due to changing road and weather conditions, urging extreme caution and potential delays.

These alerts confirm that I-90 is a high-risk route where vigilance is paramount. Distracted driving, improper following distance, and excessive speed remain the primary causes cited by law enforcement in the aftermath of these tragic events.

Essential Safety Tips for I-90 Westbound Travelers

Navigating the I-90 westbound safely requires proactive planning and a commitment to defensive driving. Given the frequency of major collisions, especially those involving commercial vehicles, travelers must adopt a safety-first mindset.

Key Strategies to Avoid I-90 Accidents:

1. Monitor Real-Time Traffic Updates: Before starting your journey, and continuously while driving, check real-time traffic maps and alerts from the relevant state departments of transportation (e.g., WSDOT, MnDOT, NY Thruway).
2. Increase Following Distance: Maintain a significantly larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front, especially when traveling near semi-trucks. A five-second rule is recommended, particularly in poor weather or heavy traffic.
3. Be Aware of Fatigue: Fatigue is a major factor in CMV and passenger vehicle accidents. Pull over immediately if you feel drowsy. Truck drivers, in particular, must adhere strictly to Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, but all drivers should prioritize rest.
4. Prepare for Unexpected Closures: Have an alternative route planned and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially during winter travel. Major closures, like the one in Winona County, can last for many hours.
5. Avoid Distractions: Put away all mobile devices. Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of multi-vehicle pile-ups on interstates like I-90.

The recent spike in I-90 westbound closures, including the devastating semi-truck collisions in Minnesota and Washington, serves as a critical warning. By staying informed of current traffic alerts and practicing heightened defensive driving, travelers can minimize their risk and contribute to safer roadways for everyone.