Buckley, IL (July 28, 2026) – One driver was killed, and another was hospitalized after a two-vehicle wreck on northbound I-57 near milepost 275 in Buckley early on Monday morning, July 27, according to the Illinois State Police. Troopers responded just after 5 a.m.
The northbound lanes were closed for several hours, with traffic diverted off at the Buckley exit at milepost 272, before reopening around 8:15 a.m.
No further details about how the collision occurred or the hospitalized driver’s condition were available.
Our condolences go out to the deceased driver’s family and loved ones.
Why Do Highway Closures Sometimes Require Exit-Point Diversions?
When a highway is blocked by a serious incident, officials choose a specific exit point to redirect traffic rather than stopping vehicles right at the closure. This approach gives drivers advance notice and time to safely merge off before reaching the affected stretch of road.
Choosing where to divert traffic depends on the distance investigators need to work safely, as well as whether a nearby exit can handle the added volume. A diversion set too close to an active work area can put both drivers and responders at risk.
Once the investigation and cleanup are complete, lanes typically reopen in stages rather than all at once, allowing traffic to resume gradually. This staged approach helps prevent a sudden surge of vehicles from creating a secondary backup right where the closure just ended.
