Trucking News · Pennsylvania · November 4, 2026

I-81 Southbound Closed in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, After a Tractor-Trailer and a Car Collided Near Mile Marker 185; One Person Was Hospitalized and Truckers Should Expect Delays

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Interstate 81 southbound in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, was closed after a tractor-trailer and a car collided late on Nov. 3, 2026, according to WNEP. WNEP published its report at 12:39 a.m. ET on Nov. 4 and described the story as developing.

What was reported

Officials say that at about 11 p.m., a tractor-trailer and a car collided around mile marker 185 on I-81 southbound, WNEP reports. One person was transported to the hospital. The station said I-81 southbound was closed.

What is not known

WNEP said the cause of the crash and how long the interstate would be closed were unknown. The report does not say who was hurt or how badly, whether the person was in the truck or the car, or how many other people were involved. The sources do not name the trucking company or any of the people involved, and Big Rig Daily is not guessing at any of it. Because the report was published after midnight, the road may have reopened by the time you read this.

Checking conditions

For current conditions, truckers on I-81 can check Pennsylvania's 511 service or a traffic service before heading out. This is a general suggestion and not something the report says. Big Rig Daily will not post further details unless a reliable source provides them.

Quick facts

• Where: I-81 southbound near mile marker 185, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
• When: about 11 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, 2026; reported at 12:39 a.m. ET on Nov. 4.
• What: a tractor-trailer and a car collided.
• Injuries: one person was transported to a hospital.
• Status: southbound lanes closed; cause and reopening time unknown.

FAQ

What caused the collision?

WNEP says the cause is unknown.

Is I-81 southbound still closed?

Big Rig Daily does not know. WNEP's report was published at 12:39 a.m. ET on Nov. 4.

Who was hurt?

The report says one person was transported to the hospital and does not say who.

A question for readers

Truckers who run I-81, what is your best tip for planning around a closure late at night?

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