Four accidents snarl Interstate 79 traffic
Emergency crews were kept busy this morning by at least four traffic accidents within a few miles of one another on Interstate 79 in southwestern Butler County.
The first was reported at 8:03 at mile-marker 85. The vehicle was spotted in the wooded area off the side of the road, with a single firetruck responding.
This was followed by a second at mile 84 at about 8:50 a.m., another at 9:17 a.m. and a fourth at mile 82 at 9:25 a.m.
Officials from the Pennsylvania State Police were unavailable for comment Wednesday morning, but in response to the conditions, PennDOT has temporarily lowered the speed limit on I-79 in Butler County to 45 mph.
Elsewhere in the southern portion of the county, I-79 was clear, though exit ramps remained snow-covered. Route 228 from Mars to Cranberry Township had heavy snow buildup, though heavy traffic appeared to have cleared a path for commuters.
In Cranberry, Route 19, a state road, was snow-filled, with turn and center lanes packed with snow. Plows and salt trucks were seen making round trips to the township garage late Wednesday morning.
