I-196 Closed Due to Icy Conditions and Multi-Vehicle Crash

The closure of I-196 reflects the severe impact of winter weather on transportation infrastructure. The initial pileup near Hudsonville, involving an estimated 30-40 semi-trucks, led to a complete shutdown of the highway between exits 62 and 55. Simultaneously, another incident in Zeeland Township, involving a jackknifed semi on eastbound I-196 at Byron Road, added to the traffic chaos.

Drone footage showed the extent of the pileup, emphasizing the difficult conditions faced by drivers. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office reported multiple crashes and slide-offs, with emergency services stretched thin treating the wounded and transporting them to hospitals. Hudsonville High School and Max Transit buses were deployed to assist in moving stranded motorists to safety. The highway is expected to remain closed for several hours for cleanup and vehicle removal. Whiteout conditions and blowing lake-effect snow continue to pose a threat, prompting warnings for drivers to stay off the roads.

I-196 was closed due to a 100-vehicle pileup and a jackknifed semi-truck, both caused by icy conditions and whiteout conditions.

The pileup closed I-196 near Hudsonville between exits 62 and 55. The jackknifed semi closed eastbound I-196 in Zeeland Township at Byron Road (Exit 55).

Road conditions are hazardous due to icy conditions, blowing snow, and whiteout conditions. Travel is not recommended.

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