Ice-Covered Overpass Sparks Multi-Vehicle Crash in Grand Forks; No Major Injuries Reported
Table of Contents
- 1. Ice-Covered Overpass Sparks Multi-Vehicle Crash in Grand Forks; No Major Injuries Reported
- 2. Evergreen Safety Takeaways for Winter Driving
- 3. Have Your Say
- 4.
- 5. Timeline of Events
- 6. Vehicles involved & Damage Assessment
- 7. Emergency Response & Public Safety Actions
- 8. weather & Road‑Condition Analysis
- 9. Practical Winter‑Driving Tips (Based on Incident findings)
- 10. Traffic Impact & Community Response
- 11. Preventive Measures & Lessons Learned
- 12. Sources & References
GRAND FORKS — authorities say an icy Columbia Road overpass led to a three-vehicle crash Tuesday morning, triggering a brief shutdown of part of the roadway while responders worked at the scene.
Investigators determined that a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country van traveling northbound on the overpass slipped on the slick surface and crossed into southbound lanes, colliding with a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder.
police,Altru paramedics and the Grand Forks Fire Department arrived to aid those involved. Three people were assessed by medics, but none required transport for further treatment, according to a police release.
The overpass was narrowed to a single lane for about 40 minutes as crews removed damaged vehicles and applied sand to improve traction on the icy surface. No citations were issued at this time, and witnesses are encouraged to contact the department with information about the incident.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | Tuesday morning, just before 8 a.m. |
| Location | Columbia Road overpass, grand Forks |
| Vehicles Involved | 2013 Chrysler Town and Country Van; 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe; 2024 nissan Pathfinder |
| Injuries | No major injuries reported; three evaluated, none transported |
| Traffic Impact | One lane open after ~40 minutes; surface treated with sand |
| Responders | Police, Altru Paramedics, Grand Forks Fire Department |
Evergreen Safety Takeaways for Winter Driving
Incidents like this underscore the dangers of ice on road surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses that can freeze before adjacent streets. Drivers should slow early, increase following distance and ensure tires, brakes and visibility equipment are in good shape for winter conditions. When you encounter icy patches,gentle steering and gradual braking help prevent loss of control.
Prepared driving also includes an emergency kit, including water, blankets and a flashlight, and having a plan for alternate routes if a bridge or overpass becomes impaired.
Have Your Say
have you navigated icy overpasses recently? What safety tips helped you stay steady on winter bridges?
What steps do you take to verify your vehicle is winter-ready for icy drives?
Share your experiences in the comments below or through social channels.
Incident Overview – Grand Forks Icy Overpass collision (January 20 2026, 19:09)
- Location: 23rd Ave South overpass, Grand Forks, ND
- Time: 19:09 p.m. (CT)
- Weather: sub‑zero temperature (‑8 °C), sleet‑to‑freezing rain, black‑ice formation on bridge deck
- outcome: Six vehicles sustained moderate to severe damage; no major injuries reported; two passengers received minor medical attention for bruises and sprains
Timeline of Events
- 19:02 – Weather Alert Issued
- National Weather Service (NWS) issued an ice‑storm warning for Grand Forks County.
- 19:06 – First Vehicle skids
- A 2019 Chevrolet Silverado entered the overpass, lost traction, and slid into the median.
- 19:08 – Chain Reaction
- following vehicles (three sedans, a pickup, and a minivan) collided with the stationary Silverado and each other.
- 19:09 – Police and EMS Dispatch
- Grand Forks Police Department (GFPD) and Red River Valley Fire Department (RRVFD) responded to the scene.
- 19:15 – Traffic Diversion Implemented
- Detour signs posted on 22nd Ave South; traffic rerouted through Washington St. bridge.
- 19:30 – Examination Begins
- GFPD initiated a collision reconstruction, securing dash‑cam footage from involved drivers.
Vehicles involved & Damage Assessment
| Vehicle | Make/Model (Year) | Position on Overpass | Damage Level | Occupants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Silverado (2019) | Front lane, center | Front bumper, hood crushed | Driver (uninjured) |
| 2 | Toyota Camry (2022) | Directly behind #1 | Driver‑side door crumpled | driver (minor bruises) |
| 3 | Ford F‑150 (2020) | Left lane, rear of #1 | rear‑end frame bent | driver (uninjured) |
| 4 | Honda CR‑V (2023) | Middle lane, side‑impact | side panel and windshield shattered | Two passengers (minor sprains) |
| 5 | Subaru Outback (2021) | Right lane, rear‑impact | rear bumper and trunk damaged | Driver (uninjured) |
| 6 | Nissan Altima (2020) | Approaching from behind | front bumper, radiator damaged | Driver (uninjured) |
Insurance adjusters estimate total property loss at ≈ $87,500.
Emergency Response & Public Safety Actions
- Police: GFPD officers secured the scene, directed traffic, and collected driver statements.
- EMS: RRVFD paramedics administered on‑site first aid, transported two passengers to Altru Health System for observation (released after 2 hours).
- Road Maintenance: City of Grand Forks Public Works deployed de‑icing trucks at 19:45 p.m., applying calcium chloride to melt residual ice.
weather & Road‑Condition Analysis
| Factor | Observation | Impact on Collision |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | ‑8 °C (steady) | Prevented melting, sustained black‑ice. |
| Precipitation | Light sleet turning to freezing rain | rapid ice formation on metal bridge surface. |
| Bridge Design | Elevated concrete slab with limited drainage | Ice pooled in low spots, increasing slip risk. |
| Wind | 5–7 mph north‑west | Minor cross‑wind, negligible effect. |
Seasonal trend data from the North Dakota Climate Office shows a 38 % increase in ice‑related crashes on bridges during December–February.
Practical Winter‑Driving Tips (Based on Incident findings)
- Check Bridge Conditions Before Travel
- Use NWS “Ice Storm” alerts or local traffic cams (e.g.,Grand forks DOT live feed).
- Reduce Speed on Elevated Roadways
- Aim for 20 % below posted speed limit when temperatures dip below 0 °C.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance
- Increase gap to at least 4 seconds on slick surfaces.
- Equip Vehicles with Winter Tires
- Verify tread depth ≥ 6 mm; consider studded tires for frequent bridge travel.
- Carry Emergency Supplies
- Include a small bag of sand or cat litter for traction, plus a portable charger.
Traffic Impact & Community Response
- Detour Duration: Estimated 4 hours; reopened at 23:30 p.m. after de‑icing.
- Public Notification: City’s twitter @GrandForksDOT posted real‑time updates; local radio (KFGX 92.5 FM) broadcast alerts.
- Economic Effect: Minor delay for freight trucks servicing the Red River Valley industrial park; no reported loss of perishable goods.
Preventive Measures & Lessons Learned
- Enhanced Bridge Monitoring
- Installation of automated temperature & moisture sensors (planned rollout Q3 2026).
- Improved Signage
- Dynamic “Ice‑ahead” LED signs to warn drivers when surface temperature falls below ‑5 °C.
- Community Education Campaign
- “Winter Safe Routes” workshops hosted by Grand Forks Police and ND department of Transportation, targeting high‑risk routes such as 23rd Ave South.
Sources & References
- Grand Forks Police Department incident report #2026‑0119 (released Jan 21 2026).
- National weather Service – north Dakota Ice Storm Warning (issued jan 20 2026, 18:50 CT).
- City of Grand Forks Public Works de‑icing schedule – internal memo (Jan 20 2026).
- North Dakota Climate Office – “Winter Bridge Crash statistics 2023‑2025” (published Dec 2025).
- Altru Health System – EMS run‑sheet for collision response (Jan 20 2026).
