Newton Highway Accident – A serious traffic accident on Route 128 North in Newton, Massachusetts, caused widespread disruption on Friday, January 30, 2026. The collision, involving a tractor-trailer and a passenger car, forced authorities to close a key stretch of Interstate 95 northbound during the midday commute, creating significant delays across the Greater Boston area.
The crash occurred near mile marker 38.4 on I-95 northbound, just before the Massachusetts Turnpike interchange. The severity of the accident prompted emergency personnel to fully close the northbound lanes for several hours. Crews from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), along with local law enforcement and first responders, quickly arrived on the scene to secure the area, manage traffic, and begin an initial investigation into the cause of the collision.
Crash Details and Immediate Impact
First responders reported that the tractor-trailer had jackknifed across multiple lanes, while a smaller sedan was wedged against the concrete median barrier, highlighting the force of the impact. At the time of reporting, officials had not confirmed the extent of injuries or the condition of those involved, and the cause of the crash remained under investigation.
The highway closure caused immediate traffic disruptions, with motorists seeking alternate routes to bypass the blockage. MassDOT advised drivers to avoid the affected area if possible and to anticipate extended travel times as the northbound shutdown was expected to last well into the afternoon.
Wider Traffic Disruption and Commuter Guidance
Route 128 / I-95 serves as a major commuter artery in the Greater Boston region, and any significant incident has ripple effects across nearby streets and highways. On Friday, the midday closure intensified traffic congestion not only in Newton but also in surrounding communities, as drivers turned to secondary roads and alternate highways to reach their destinations.
Authorities at the scene worked to manage traffic flow, directing vehicles safely around the accident site. Commuters were urged to follow posted detours, adhere to directions from law enforcement, and exercise caution near emergency personnel and crews working to clear the wreckage.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Officials are examining factors such as driver behavior, vehicle speeds, and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Updates regarding injuries, road status, and investigative findings will be provided as more information becomes available from local authorities and news outlets.
This incident underscores the critical importance of attentive driving and highway safety, particularly on major roadways like Route 128, which sees heavy commercial and commuter traffic daily.
