Motorists could be seen outside their vehicles during rush hour Monday evening after lane closures at times brought traffic to a standstill on southbound Interstate 75 from Ohio 63 north to the Austin Boulevard interchange in Montgomery County. Traffic was slowed to a crawl and at times not moving at all beginning around 4 p.m. through at least 6:30 p.m.
A crash between a tractor trailer and another vehicle around 1:35 p.m. Monday on southbound I-75 near Ohio 63 also caused traffic backups. The highway patrol said there were no reports of injuries.
Callahan said the Lebanon Post received between 30 and 40 calls during rush hour because of the traffic jam.
He said construction on the right side of the highway will continue through the week, but officials hope travel on I-75 improves.
“The goal is to keep two lanes open at all times, but (on Monday) it still had a huge impact,” Callahan said.
“We’re hoping, hoping it improves. Our phones have been ringing off the hook.”