Craighead County, AR (February 13, 2026) – A crash with reported injuries temporarily shut down all lanes of Hwy 1 just south of Lawson Rd near Jonesboro on Friday morning.
Key Details
- Location: Hwy 1 south of Lawson Rd, near Jonesboro
- Reported: February 13 at 7:10 a.m.
- Type: Crash with injuries
- Traffic Impact: All lanes affected in both directions
- Clearance: Scene cleared at 7:55 a.m.
What We Know So Far
- The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported the crash Friday morning.
- The collision occurred on Hwy 1 just south of the Lawson Rd intersection.
- All lanes of traffic in both directions were affected.
- Crews cleared the roadway less than an hour after the initial report.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The number of vehicles involved.
- The number of people injured.
- The severity of the reported injuries.
- What factors may have contributed to the crash.
Local Context
The stretch of Hwy 1 south of Lawson Rd serves as a key route for drivers traveling between Jonesboro and surrounding areas of Craighead County. This corridor carries commuter and commercial traffic, particularly during the morning hours when residents head into town. Because Hwy 1 functions as a primary north-south roadway, any incident that blocks lanes in both directions can quickly disrupt travel and create backups. Intersections like Lawson Rd add turning movements that can further complicate traffic flow when a crash occurs nearby, requiring coordinated response efforts to restore normal conditions.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy highways.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- If it’s safe, write down the time, location, and what you observed while the details are still fresh.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: Early information is often preliminary and focused on traffic impact. Authorities typically confirm details after assessing injuries, documenting the scene, and reviewing available evidence.
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: When lanes are blocked on a primary roadway, vehicles must merge or stop, which can quickly create congestion in both directions.
Q: Why might lanes remain blocked after injured people are helped?
A: Even after medical care is provided, crews may need additional time to remove damaged vehicles, clear debris, and complete documentation before fully reopening the roadway.
