A crash on Interstate 77 north in Summit County brought traffic to a standstill Wednesday afternoon, forcing the closure of all northbound lanes beyond the Akron-Canton Airport area and creating significant delays for motorists traveling through the corridor. The incident caused congestion that lasted for more than an hour and a half at its peak, leaving drivers caught in the backup with limited options as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reported that the northbound closure was located near Graybill Road, with all lanes in that direction shut down as of approximately 1:32 p.m. Earlier in the afternoon, ODOT had reported a 99-minute delay between mile markers 114 and 117 around 1:10 p.m. Later updates indicated that the delay through the affected stretch had dropped to about 57 minutes, although the total travel time through the area remained close to an hour. The changing travel times reflected the efforts of emergency and transportation crews to manage the crash scene and restore normal traffic flow.
According to Summit County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Chief Bill Holland, the crash began when a vehicle traveling southbound lost control, crossed into the northbound lanes and struck another vehicle. Three vehicles were ultimately involved in the collision. One of the vehicles rolled over during the crash and had a driver and two passengers inside. All three occupants were injured and transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The available information did not immediately provide details about the severity of their injuries.
A crash investigative team was also dispatched to the scene to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision and determine how the incident unfolded. Investigators were working to establish what caused the southbound vehicle to lose control and cross the median or roadway separation into opposing traffic. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the cause of the crash remained ongoing as of Wednesday evening, meaning additional information could become available as investigators reviewed evidence and completed their work.
The incident also created a temporary traffic restriction on the southbound side of I-77. The left shoulder was blocked for a period between State Route 241 and State Route 691, although one report identified the roadway as SR-619. That shoulder closure was later cleared as crews continued managing the crash scene. While the primary disruption involved the complete shutdown of northbound lanes, the additional restriction on the southbound shoulder added to the challenges for motorists traveling through the area.
With every northbound lane closed beyond the Akron-Canton Airport area, drivers heading toward the affected portion of Summit County faced substantial congestion and were encouraged to avoid the area whenever possible. Transportation officials and local authorities urged motorists to use alternate routes rather than enter the growing backup. The timing of the crash also contributed to the disruption, as the closure occurred during the afternoon travel period when traffic volumes were already increasing.
For commuters who regularly use I-77 through Summit County, the combination of the northbound lane closure and temporary southbound shoulder restriction resulted in a difficult afternoon on the highway. As drivers attempted to bypass the crash or find alternative routes, congestion could also extend onto nearby roads and surface streets. Motorists approaching the area were advised to monitor traffic conditions and allow additional travel time if they could not avoid the corridor.
As of the latest available updates, the crash remained under investigation, and authorities had not immediately provided a final explanation for what caused the initial loss of control. It was also unclear at that stage when all affected portions of the highway would completely return to normal operation. Investigators and transportation crews were expected to continue working at the scene as they examined the collision, assisted those involved and completed necessary cleanup.
Drivers traveling through Summit County are encouraged to check current traffic conditions before beginning their journeys, particularly when traveling along I-77 near the Akron-Canton Airport and Graybill Road. Active crash investigations can result in changing lane restrictions, delays and detours, and motorists may need to adjust their routes as officials work to clear the roadway and complete the investigation.
