Severe winter weather caused chaos for drivers on Interstate 5 south of Eugene, Oregon, over Sunday and Monday. State highway officials mandated the use of chains on sections of the highway due to icy conditions. However, numerous vehicles without proper equipment spun out or crashed, resulting in a blockade on the freeway starting at around 6 p.m. on Sunday. The resulting gridlock persisted into Monday, causing extensive delays for northbound traffic, as reported by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Despite substantial preparations for the storm, including increased de-icer and sand applications compared to previous years, the storm’s severity significantly impacted driving conditions. ODOT spokesperson David House highlighted that a higher number of commercial vehicles, such as semi trucks, failed to use chains, contributing to more traffic disruptions when these vehicles spun out.
Conditions deteriorated to the point where drivers began stopping in traffic lanes to install chains, rather than pulling off to the side of the highway. This further exacerbated the congestion, prompting some drivers to resort to sleeping in their cars. ODOT and Oregon State Police had to intervene, waking people up to restart traffic flow.
The situation persisted, with weather conditions not improving, leading to increased traffic congestion. Oregon State Police started issuing citations to drivers who failed to use chains in designated areas. One affected traveler, Clare Lewis, faced a harrowing experience as she stalled around Cottage Grove while returning from California. Lewis, rushing to make a cancer treatment appointment in Portland on Tuesday morning, found herself stuck for hours without clear information on the situation.
As of the latest update, House urged people to avoid traveling on Tuesday due to anticipated icy conditions. He emphasized the lack of alternate routes and the heightened risk of getting stuck in the extreme weather. The ongoing challenges on I-5 underscored the need for caution and preparedness during severe winter conditions.
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