Honestly, if you’re planning to jump on the interstate today, January 17, 2026, you might want to double-check your GPS. It’s been a messy morning for accidents on I 75 today, especially with the winter chill moving through the northern states and some heavy construction bottlenecks down south. We aren't just talking about a little bit of traffic; we’re seeing full lane closures and some pretty serious incidents that could add an hour or more to your trip.
It’s cold. Really cold.
Up in Ohio and Michigan, the big story isn't just the volume of cars, but the "black ice" factor. If you've lived in the Midwest long enough, you know the drill. The pavement looks wet, but it’s actually a sheet of glass. Earlier today, specifically around 9:30 p.m. last night leading into this morning, a fatal accident occurred at the I-75 South off-ramp and Miamisburg Centerville Road in Montgomery County, Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, at least one person lost their life in that crash. Even as crews cleared the scene, the lingering investigation has kept the ramp and surrounding lanes sluggish.
The Georgia and Florida Bottlenecks
Moving down the map into Georgia, the situation shifts from ice to sheer congestion and poorly timed debris. Around 8:00 a.m. this morning, a lane was blocked on I-75 Southbound just after Exit 231 (Mt. Zion Blvd) due to a crash. It’s that classic Atlanta-area shuffle—one car clips another, and suddenly thousands of people are late for work.
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Then there's the "Express Lane" headache. If you're heading Northbound near I-285 in Cobb County, there’s been active road maintenance on the I-75 Express lanes. They were supposed to be wrapped up by early morning, but if you're out there now, expect some "ghost traffic" where things slow down for no apparent reason.
Florida isn't escaping the drama either. While it’s warmer, the FDOT is currently tearing up the pavement for interchange improvements at Exit 101 (S.R. 951) and Exit 107 (Pine Ridge Road).
- Exit 101: Nighttime work often bleeds into the early morning commute.
- Exit 107: Lane shifts are in effect. If you aren't paying attention to the new temporary markings, it’s very easy to clip a barrier.
- Exit 131: Watch for trucks entering and leaving the roadway near Daniels Parkway.
Why the "Black Ice" in Ohio is Catching People Off Guard
It’s easy to get complacent when the sky is clear. Today, parts of Kentucky and Tennessee have clear blue skies, but temperatures are hovering between 15°F and 27°F. That’s the danger zone. When the sun hits the road, it melts the frost, which then refreezes in the shadows of overpasses.
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In Montgomery County, near that fatal ramp crash, traffic was backed up for miles. When you see accidents on I 75 today in the news, they often focus on the pileups, but it’s these single-vehicle "fishtails" into guardrails that cause the most consistent delays.
Real-Time Hotspots to Avoid
If you are currently behind the wheel (hopefully not reading this while moving!), here is the "avoid at all costs" list for the next few hours:
- Clayton County, GA: The area near Mt. Zion Blvd (Exit 231) is still recovering from an earlier lane-blocking accident.
- Miami Township, OH: The I-75 South off-ramp to Miamisburg Centerville Rd is a mess of investigation activity.
- Collier County, FL: The construction zones near Naples are seeing "rubbernecking" delays as drivers navigate the new lane shifts.
- Detroit, MI: Multiple minor fender benders have been reported near McNichols Road due to lingering slick spots from the recent winter front.
The Human Factor: What Most People Get Wrong
We always blame the weather or the construction. But honestly? It’s usually us.
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Expert traffic analysts often point out that "following distance" is the first thing to go when we’re frustrated by a delay. On a road like I-75, which carries everything from massive semi-trucks to tiny commuters, that lack of space is lethal. In the Clark County area this morning, a tanker overturned on a connecting route to the interstate. While it wasn't directly on the 75, the resulting detour sent a surge of heavy trucks onto the main highway, creating a "slingshot" effect of congestion.
Basically, when more big rigs move to the interstate, the "stop-and-go" waves become much more violent.
Actionable Steps for I-75 Drivers Right Now
If you're about to head out, don't just rely on your dashboard. Do these three things:
- Check the "511" Apps: Each state has one. FL511 for Florida, Georgia 511, and OHGO for Ohio. These are updated by the DOT directly, often faster than third-party maps.
- Buffer the Exit Ramps: Specifically in Ohio and Kentucky today, treated bridge decks are fine, but the off-ramps are holding ice. Slow down 10 mph more than you think you need to.
- Watch for "Construction Creep": In the Florida zones (Exits 101-131), the lane widths are reduced. If you're driving a large SUV or a truck, stay in the center of your lane and avoid passing in these tight corridors.
Driving I-75 is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you're dealing with the icy patches of the North or the orange-cone maze of the South, the best way to avoid becoming one of the accidents on I 75 today is to simply give yourself an extra 30 minutes of "patience buffer."
Stay off the phone, watch the brake lights three cars ahead of you, and if you see a salt truck in the North—give it room to work. They’re the only reason the road is even remotely drivable right now.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Download the OHGO or FL511 app before you leave.
- Check your tire pressure; the sudden drop in temperature in the South (into the 30s) can trigger your TPM light and cause a distraction.
- Verify your route for any "all lanes blocked" updates that may have occurred in the last 15 minutes.