Greensboro, NC (August 11, 2026) – Two people were hurt Monday afternoon in a two-car wreck that closed all southbound lanes of US-29 south of I-840 to McKnight Mill Road, according to Guilford County EMS. The call came in around 1:51 p.m., and traffic was diverted onto I-840.
One person was treated for serious injuries and another for moderate injuries. The Greensboro Fire Department confirmed two cars were involved. The cause remains unknown.
We hope both have a full recovery.
Why Do Highway Crashes Require a Full Diversion to Another Route?
When a crash blocks all lanes in one direction, officials reroute traffic onto a nearby highway rather than trying to funnel vehicles through a single remaining lane. This approach keeps traffic moving at a more consistent pace and reduces the backup that would otherwise build up right at the closure point.
Choosing a diversion route depends on how well a nearby highway can absorb the added volume without creating a new bottleneck elsewhere. A route with enough capacity and clear connections back to the original road is generally preferred over a smaller, more congested alternative.
Once investigators finish documenting the scene and the roadway is cleared, lanes typically reopen in stages as traffic gradually shifts back. This staged approach helps prevent a sudden surge of returning vehicles from creating a secondary backup right where the closure just ended.
