Travelers on Marshall County roads and throughout western Kentucky in the last few days have experienced snarls and accidents in the wake of two winter storm systems to have moved through since Friday.
Emergency responders have reported numerous accidents Tuesday as the latest round of snowfall, which brought 8-10 inches of additional accumulation according to National Weather Service preliminary estimates. Traffic incidents include a multiple collisions on I-24 at the Purchase Parkway in Calvert City, which shut down traffic from Exit 16 through Exit 27 both east and west for muck of the morning.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, a semi jackknifed in the work zone of the I-24 Purchase Parkway interchange at Exit 25. KYTC sent the notice out about 5 a.m. about the wreck, which shut down west bound traffic. The situation compounded not long after, leading to more than one semi jackknifed and multiple collisions, bringing traffic to a standstill.
The Interstate has since reopened to traffic, both east and west. The interstate and parkway are not the only areas of difficulty.
The City of Benton reportedly shut down Mayfield Highway for several minutes, as well, from West 14th Street to Walnut Street. According to Benton Police, a semi became stuck across the roadway, blocking traffic. The closure, according to BPD could have taken several hours to clear. However, Benton Electric crews brought equipment to free the vehicle from the roadway.
Emergency personnel are urging residents to stay off the roadways and avoid all unnecessary travel.
As of 11:15 a.m., no fatalities had been reported due to weather-related wrecks or conditions in Marshall County, interim Coroner Tracy Watwood said.