If you’re staring at a wall of brake lights near Indianapolis or Richmond today, January 14, 2026, you aren’t alone. Driving across the Hoosier state on I-70 is rarely a "set it and forget it" experience, but today is proving especially tricky. Between the freezing wind gusts and the usual heavy haulers, things have gotten messy.
There’s a lot going on. Right now, the most significant headache is out toward the Ohio border. We’re seeing a total closure on I-70 Eastbound near Richmond (Mile Point 149.2). If you’re heading toward Dayton, you’re basically looking at a parking lot. Local reports suggest the road is closed, which usually means the Indiana State Police are handling a significant scene or a multi-vehicle tangle-up that hasn't been cleared yet.
What’s Causing the Accident on I-70 Right Now Indiana?
Honestly, the weather isn't doing anyone any favors today. We’ve got "patchy ice" and "gusty winds" clocked up to 28 mph around Shirley and Center Point. When you mix those gusts with high-profile semi-trucks, things go south fast.
Earlier this month, we already saw how dangerous this stretch can be—remember that massive mess in Henry County involving the racing fuel tanker? It feels like history is repeating itself. Today, the 511 system is lighting up with alerts.
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Current Hotspots and Closures
- Richmond/Centerville Area: Eastbound lanes are closed near Mile Point 149. If you can, jump off at US-35 or find a way around before you hit the backup.
- Westbound Rest Areas: Heads up if you need a break; the rest areas near Centerville (Mile Point 144) are currently closed. Don't wait until your fuel light is on or your coffee hits to try and pull over there.
- Indianapolis Metro: We’re seeing the usual congestion near the "North Split" and Sam Jones Expressway. There was a fatal crash reported just a few days ago in this area, and drivers are still being extra cautious—or extra erratic—depending on who you're following.
Why This Stretch of Road is So Dangerous
I-70 is basically the main artery for the country’s freight. You’ve got thousands of trucks moving through Indiana every single hour. It’s a lot.
The wind is the silent killer here. Indiana is flat, and when those 30 mph gusts hit the side of a trailer, it acts like a sail. We see "jackknife" accidents all the time because of it. Plus, the temperature today is hovering right around freezing. That "light snow mixed with rain" mentioned in the morning forecast? That’s the recipe for black ice. You won't see it until you're sideways.
Indiana State Police (ISP) have been out in force, but they can't be everywhere. They’re still dealing with the fallout of several major incidents from earlier in the week, including that massive cocaine bust in Putnam County and a string of crashes on the west side.
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How to Get Around the Mess
If you're stuck in the accident on I-70 right now Indiana, you have a couple of "locals-only" moves, but they aren't perfect.
For the Richmond closure, some folks try to bail onto US-40 (the Old National Road). It runs parallel to I-70. It’s much slower—lots of stoplights and small towns—but moving at 35 mph is better than sitting at 0 mph.
If you're closer to Indy, try to utilize the I-465 loop to bypass the city center if the Sam Jones or North Split areas are clogged. Just keep in mind that when I-70 breaks, everyone else has the same idea, so the "back roads" aren't going to be empty.
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Real-Time Resources You Actually Need
- INDOT TrafficWise (511in.org): This is the gold standard. It’s what the dispatchers use.
- Waze: Usually the fastest for crowdsourced "pothole" or "police ahead" alerts.
- ISP Pendleton/Indianapolis Twitter: They usually post the big stuff first.
Managing Your Drive Today
If you haven't left yet, maybe wait an hour. Seriously. The freezing rain transition is supposed to settle down by mid-afternoon, which might make the pavement a bit more predictable.
If you are already on the road, leave a massive gap. I know, people will cut you off. Let them. Being the "meat" in a semi-truck sandwich is a bad Friday. Also, keep your lights on. Not the "auto" lights that might not kick in during a gray, snowy afternoon, but your actual headlights so people can see you through the road spray.
Immediate Action Steps for Drivers
- Check the 511 map before you hit the Richmond or Terre Haute stretches.
- Top off your washer fluid. The salt spray on I-70 right now will blind you in five minutes.
- Avoid US-35 and I-70 interchange if you can; it's the heart of the current Eastbound closure.
- Stay off your phone. Half these accidents happen because someone was checking a traffic app while moving at 70 mph.
The situation on I-70 is fluid. Accidents are being cleared, but with the current wind conditions, new ones are popping up just as fast. Slow down, keep an eye on the overhead digital signs, and give the INDOT crews room to work.