Semi crash causes major back up on I-35 Friday morning

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) - A semi crash near I-35 and State Highway 9 caused a major back up Friday morning. 

"It's been a disaster,” said a driver named Nathan. “There's nothing else I can do. It is the only way to my house."

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, around 3:45 a.m., a semi truck heading southbound on I-35 ran off of the road. 

"He drifted off and then struck the concrete barrier wall,” said OHP Trooper Preston Cox. “But we don't know exactly what or why that occurred." 

Hazmat crews were also called to the scene. 

"The hazmat would have been diesel,” said Cox. “They did have to call out someone to take care of the fuel spill." 

While helping with the accident, a Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department officer tried to cross the center barrier of a bridge and fell. The officer has since been released from the hospital. His injuries were minor. 

No other injuries were reported.  

However, that wasn’t the case last Saturday night in this same area. One person was killed when an Amazon truck crashed into the back of a semi. 

The construction is part of an ongoing project in the area. When work is complete, the I-35 and State Highway 9 Interchange will be what’s called a Diverging Diamond Interchange. 

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation weighed in on Friday’s accident saying: 

“Due to a wreck in the I-35 and SH-9W construction zone Friday, southbound I-35 was closed and is now narrowed. Crews are working diligently to get all lanes back open, and we ask the traveling public for patience as they continue to clear the area.

The I-35 widening and SH-9W interchange project began January 2024 and is tentatively scheduled for completion early 2026. With all active construction zones, traffic lanes shift and change as phases of work are completed. Drivers should put away distractions and remain alert in these areas as conditions are adjusted throughout the course of the project. Once complete, the I-35 and SH-9W interchange will be safer and more efficient for the rapidly increasing traffic numbers along this key corridor.

Drivers are encouraged to plan their route ahead of time and should consider alternate routes, especially during peak travel times, including US-77, US-81 or the tolled option I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike.”