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SALT LAKE COUNTY — An accident involving around 20 vehicles temporarily closed eastbound I-80 Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred around 2 p.m. near the state Route 36 exit, also known as the Tooele Interchange, according to Utah Highway Patrol. Eastbound I-80 was closed near the interchange, but all lanes were reopened around 6:25 p.m., according to the Utah Department of Transportation.
Northbound state Route 36 was also closed near the I-80 interchange, but UDOT tweeted at about 5:50 p.m. saying one lane is now open.
Between 17 and 20 vehicles were involved in the pile up, Royce said. Several of the people involved in the accident were seriously injured, but none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening, Royce said.
At about 1 p.m., lake effect snow started falling in the area. As a result, slick roads turned into snowpack near Lake Point, causing the accident, Royce said.
UHP said some motorists behind the accident were in their cars for hours, so it's a good reminder to be prepared for an emergency whenever you're driving in winter weather.
"Make sure, especially when you're drivin gin inclement weather, make sure you have plenty of fuel in your vehicle," Royce said.
Royce said it's also important to keep some food, water and blanks with you in case you have to spend time stopped in your car.
Another accident closed eastbound I-80 at Foothill Drive near Parley's Canyon around 5 p.m. and commuters were asked to take alternate routes. Treacherous road conditions were also reported on Legacy Parkway into the Monday evening commute.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
