Illinois Interstate 55 Shut Down Near Springfield After 10-Car Pileup in Heavy Snow

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — Southbound lanes of Interstate 55 near Springfield have been completely shut down following a 10-car pileup caused by snowy and icy road conditions on Sunday. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid travel in the affected area as emergency crews work to clear the scene and assist motorists.

Major Accident Brings Traffic to a Standstill

The multi-vehicle crash occurred near the Sherman exit, just north of Springfield, around midday as a band of snow moved through central Illinois. Travel alerts confirm that I-55 southbound is currently at a complete standstill, with traffic backed up for miles.

Preliminary reports indicate that slippery roads and reduced visibility due to snowfall contributed to the series of collisions. Several cars and trucks were involved, creating a chain-reaction crash that forced authorities to close multiple lanes of the interstate.

Illinois State Police and local emergency responders are on the scene, directing traffic and assisting stranded drivers. No official information has been released yet regarding injuries.

Winter Weather Creating Hazardous Travel Conditions

Snowfall across central Illinois has been steady since early morning, and road surfaces quickly became slick as temperatures dropped below freezing. Law enforcement officials are warning drivers that even small amounts of snow can lead to treacherous conditions when combined with cold pavement and low visibility.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln reported scattered snow showers and warned of localized whiteout conditions along I-55 and surrounding highways. Authorities are advising drivers to delay travel plans until road crews have treated and cleared the interstate.

Traffic and Safety Alerts for Motorists

Traffic cameras and local updates show long stretches of congestion north of Springfield, extending toward Sherman and Riverton. Drivers traveling through the area are encouraged to:

• Avoid I-55 southbound near Springfield until further notice.
• Use alternate routes through U.S. Highway 66 or nearby local roads if travel is necessary.
• Drive slowly and keep safe distances between vehicles in snowy conditions.

Tow trucks and emergency vehicles are currently working to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway, but officials estimate it may take several hours to reopen all lanes.

Officials Urge Caution as Snow Continues

As snow continues to fall across the region, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crews are salting and plowing highways to improve traction. Officials remind drivers that secondary roads and overpasses may remain icy even after main lanes are cleared.

Authorities are asking residents to stay home if possible and check the latest road updates through IDOT and local weather services before venturing out.

The Illinois State Police are expected to release more information once cleanup efforts are complete and the interstate reopens.

For continuous weather and travel updates across Illinois, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.