CORTLAND — New York State Police responded to numerous crashes along Interstate 81 in Cortland County on March 6, forcing the closure of northbound lanes between Cortland and Preble for over two hours.
The incidents began around 5 p.m., turning the interstate into what officials described as a “parking lot” until one lane reopened at approximately 7:30 p.m.
At 5:03 p.m., troopers from the Homer barracks responded to a rear-end collision between a Hyundai Sonata and a Jeep Compass at the State Route 281 on-ramp to I-81 in Cortlandville.
No injuries were reported.
Approximately 20 minutes later, police responded to I-81 south in Preble where a Chevrolet Tahoe pulling a trailer slid in front of a tractor-trailer.
The tractor-trailer collided with the Tahoe’s trailer.
The Tahoe driver complained of pain but declined medical transport.
At 5:35 p.m., another Chevrolet Tahoe lost traction while changing lanes on I-81 north near mile marker 61 in Preble.
The vehicle left the roadway, spun and struck trees.
No injuries were reported.
Shortly after, at 5:41 p.m., troopers assisted the driver of a two-door Toyota sedan that slid off State Route 281 in Cortlandville.
At 6 p.m., a car carrier jackknifed on I-81 near mile marker 57 in Homer.
The vehicle slid and hit a guardrail, breaking a trailer axle.
None of the vehicles being transported were damaged.
The Cortland County Sheriff’s Department and multiple fire companies also responded to the incidents.
