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Oklahoma Co., OK (September 4, 2026) – A multi-vehicle collision with reported injuries shut down all southbound lanes of Interstate 35 just south of Covell Road on Wednesday, September 2.
Traffic was unable to continue southbound while the roadway remained closed. All southbound lanes reopened at approximately 9:30 a.m. Investigators continue working to determine what led to the crash.
We hope everyone affected makes a full recovery.
Why Can Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crashes Cause Major Traffic Delays?
When several vehicles are involved on a freeway, disabled cars can occupy multiple travel lanes at once. Closing those lanes may be necessary when there is not enough space for traffic to pass safely.
Backups can grow quickly because interstate routes carry large numbers of vehicles, particularly during morning travel. Drivers approaching stopped traffic may need to slow sharply, while nearby entrance ramps can continue adding vehicles to the queue.
The length of a delay usually depends on how many lanes are blocked, traffic volume, and how quickly vehicles can be moved. Medical care and debris removal may also require additional roadway space. Even after lanes reopen, congestion can persist while accumulated traffic gradually begins moving at normal speeds again.
