If you were planning to head up the interstate this morning, honestly, you might want to rethink your route or at least grab an extra coffee while you wait. There has been a significant i 79 north accident today that has essentially brought traffic to a standstill in the Marshall Township area.
It’s one of those mornings where the winter weather finally decided to show its teeth. We’ve had a mix of snow showers and freezing temps, and unfortunately, the roads are paying the price.
What actually happened on I-79 North today?
Basically, a major multi-vehicle crash shut down the northbound lanes of I-79 in Marshall Township earlier this morning, January 16, 2026. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene quickly, and reports indicate that at least one person had to be rushed to the hospital.
The wreckage was significant enough that PennDOT and local police had to close a large stretch of the highway to allow for cleanup and investigation.
You’ve probably seen the flashing lights if you were anywhere near the Wexford exit. The backup quickly stretched for miles, trapping commuters who were just trying to get to work or head toward Butler County.
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Current road conditions and closures
It isn't just one spot either. While the Marshall Township crash is the big one, the entire corridor is a mess.
- Visibility is poor. Snow squalls have been popping up, dropping visibility to near zero in seconds.
- The pavement is deceptive. It might just look wet, but with the ground temps where they are, black ice is a massive risk.
- Emergency vehicles are everywhere. Give them space.
Honestly, the state police have been warning about "whiteout conditions" periodically throughout the morning. If you don't have to be on I-79 North right now, just don't.
The ripple effect on local traffic
When I-79 North shuts down, everything else breaks.
Drivers are currently trying to bail off at the Wexford (91) or Warrendale exits, which is turning Route 19 into a parking lot. If you think taking the "back way" through Marshall or Pine Township is going to save you thirty minutes, you’re probably wrong. Everyone else has the same idea.
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We are also seeing secondary accidents. People are frustrated, they’re following too closely, and then bam—another fender bender on a side road makes the situation even worse.
Why today is particularly dangerous
We’ve had a relatively mild stretch lately, which usually makes drivers a bit too confident. Then a morning like this hits.
The National Weather Service (NWS) actually issued warnings about these snow showers earlier, noting that they could stir up "trouble spots" during the commute. They weren't kidding. When you combine high-speed interstate travel with sudden bursts of heavy snow, you get the exact kind of multi-vehicle pileup we're seeing on I-79 today.
Technical details of the cleanup
Cleanup for an i 79 north accident today isn't as simple as just towing a car. When you have multiple vehicles involved—especially if there are tractor-trailers—it takes hours.
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- Scene Documentation: Police have to map out how the crash happened, especially if injuries are severe.
- Fluid Cleanup: Salt trucks often have to follow the tow trucks because leaked oil and antifreeze make the road even slicker.
- Barrier Repair: Sometimes these crashes take out sections of the guardrail, which requires PennDOT to secure the site before they can safely reopen lanes.
How to handle the I-79 North commute for the rest of the day
If you're reading this while sitting in traffic, hang in there. If you haven't left yet, check the 511PA app immediately.
Kinda sucks, but the reality of Western PA winters is that one bad patch of road can ruin a whole morning.
Practical next steps for drivers
- Check the live feeds. Use the 511PA website to look at the traffic cameras near Marshall Township. If you see a sea of red brake lights, stay home.
- Lower your speed. Even if the road looks clear further north, the wind is picking up.
- Increase following distance. Most of the accidents today were chain reactions. If the person in front of you slides, you need enough room to react without becoming part of the pileup.
- Watch for lane restrictions. Even after the main accident is cleared, expect lane closures for the next several hours as crews finish up.
The road is expected to be fully clear by the afternoon, but with more snow forecasted for the evening commute, the cycle might just start all over again. Stay safe out there and keep your lights on.