Onondaga County, NY – Drivers across Central New York are facing significant delays today after a disabled tractor-trailer blocked both northbound lanes of Interstate 81 between Exits 73 and 78, according to the New York State Police.
According to troopers, the tractor-trailer became disabled early Wednesday, forcing the shutdown of all northbound travel lanes in this stretch of I-81. Traffic is currently being diverted off the interstate at Exit 73 and routed onto Route 11 while crews work to clear the scene.
State Police have not yet released an estimated reopening time, but they are urging motorists to avoid the area if possible. Troopers say congestion is quickly building on surrounding roads, particularly in the Tully, LaFayette, and south Syracuse corridor.
The closure affects a major commuter route linking Cortland County, Onondaga County, and the Syracuse metro area. Morning drivers should plan for extended delays, as backups are expected to continue until the disabled vehicle can be safely removed from the roadway.
Authorities have not indicated what caused the tractor-trailer to become disabled, and no injuries have been reported. Maintenance and recovery teams remain on site.
Motorists traveling northbound toward Syracuse are encouraged to allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes, and monitor real-time traffic updates from the New York State Department of Transportation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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