Multiple southbound I-85 lanes closed near Whitsett after crash

Multiple southbound lanes of Interstate 85 in Guilford County are closed near NC-61 at about mile marker 137 after a crash that blocked the right three lanes past exit 138. The incident occurred during the morning commute and is affecting traffic flow on a heavily used stretch of highway that links Guilford County to neighboring communities.

Traffic reporting showed the right three lanes remained blocked past exit 138 as crews worked at the scene, creating backups for drivers headed southbound. Early updates did not indicate whether anyone was injured, and officials described the situation as developing while emergency and roadway crews managed the closure. Traffic managers estimated the scene could clear around 8:30 a.m., but exact clearance times may change as responders work through the incident.

The closure concentrates congestion on the southbound lanes and will likely push commute delays onto adjacent interchanges and local roads. Motorists who use I-85 for daily travel through Whitsett and the surrounding stretches should expect slower travel times and possible stop-and-go conditions. Commercial vehicles and delivery traffic that rely on this corridor may see schedule disruptions into the late morning.

For accurate lane-closure times, updates on injuries, and recommended detours, consult North Carolina Department of Transportation traffic alerts and local law enforcement releases. Those channels will carry the latest official information on reopening timelines and any safety advisories. Local motorists can also monitor traffic apps and local radio for real-time conditions, but official releases remain the best source for confirmed details about lane restrictions and incident status.

Guilford County commuters have experienced similar morning disruptions on I-85 in past years, and even short lane closures on this corridor can produce outsized delays during peak travel windows. Roadway crews typically work to clear lanes as quickly as safety allows, but the priority is safe removal of vehicles and any debris before reopening traffic lanes.

Our two cents? If you can shift your schedule or take a parallel route this morning, do it. Give yourself extra time, follow official NCDOT and law enforcement updates, and avoid the stretch around mile marker 137 and exit 138 until authorities confirm lanes are fully reopened.