Major Crash Blocks All Northbound Lanes on Interstate 85 Near Downtown Montgomery, Alabama

Modified Date: 
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 6:30am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Tuesday morning crash cleared on I-85 NB in Montgomery

ALGO Traffic reported that the “major crash” happened around 7:40 a.m. just before the Forest Avenue/Mulberry exit.

 

A major crash on Interstate 85 Northbound brought traffic to a standstill near downtown Montgomery, Alabama, during the Tuesday morning commute. The incident was reported at approximately 7:40 a.m. near Mile Marker 2, just before Exit 2 at the Forest Avenue/Mulberry Street interchange. ALGO Traffic, Alabama's real-time traffic monitoring system, classified the event as a "major crash," prompting a multi-hour response from local emergency services. All northbound lanes of I-85 were affected, creating significant traffic disruption for commuters heading into and through the Montgomery metro area. By just after 10:00 a.m., all northbound lanes had been fully reopened. No additional details regarding the number of vehicles involved, any injuries sustained, or the cause of the crash have been released by authorities at this time. The Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Department of Transportation are the primary agencies responsible for managing incidents in this corridor.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 85 Northbound near Mile Marker 2 is a high-traffic corridor that serves as a primary artery connecting downtown Montgomery with the northeastern portions of the metro area. The stretch approaching Exit 2 at Forest Avenue and Mulberry Street sits at the edge of the urban core, where highway traffic merges with dense commuter flow from surrounding neighborhoods. This section of I-85 is known for elevated congestion during morning and afternoon peak hours, particularly in the narrow approach lanes near downtown exits. The Forest Avenue/Mulberry Street exit serves as an important access point to central Montgomery, making crashes near this interchange especially disruptive. Road geometry in this area, including reduced shoulders and tightly spaced exits, can contribute to limited maneuvering options for drivers and emergency responders alike.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Individuals involved in this crash on I-85 in Montgomery County may have legal rights and remedies under Alabama law. Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard, meaning that any party found even partially at fault may be barred from recovering damages — making thorough documentation of the incident critically important. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, depending on the circumstances. Alabama's statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents is generally two years from the date of the incident under Alabama Code § 6-2-38. Prompt notification to your insurance carrier is advisable, as policies typically require timely reporting. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also be relevant depending on the parties involved. Consulting with a licensed Alabama attorney regarding the specific facts of the case is strongly recommended.

Related Resources

Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Road Closures
Roadway: 
Interstate 85