UPDATE: U.S. 20, bypass reopened Tuesday afternoon
4:50 P.M. UPDATE: The bypass is now officially reopened after a long day of weather-related incidents.
A message from the St. Jospeh County Police:
"Thank you to our officers and dispatchers for their amazing work today. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. our officers responded to more than 33 crashes, the majority of those were weather related. We want to thank the additional officers who were called in to assist, as well as surrounding departments who were more than happy to lend a hand. Thank you!
A lot of questions remain about the massive pile-up on the bypass. A total of 12 vehicles, including 3 commercial vehicles were involved.
Only two minor injuries were reported.
Roads are still very slick. Please, take your time on our roadways and continue to avoid the bypass if possible. We all want to make it home."
3 P.M. UPDATE: Sgt. Ted Bohner with the Indiana State Police Bremen Post stated via Facebook:
"Snow is falling again as crews continue to get the crash scene cleared up on the Indiana Toll Road near mile marker 76.5 eastbound.
Eastbound traffic is backed up for several miles but able to get by at the scene.
Conditions and visibility change quickly. Pay attention and slow down."
Bohner also shared the photo below.
1 P.M. UPDATE: “I am out here and visibility is horrible! Stay off the bypass," said St. Joseph County Sheriff William Redman.
"It is an all hands on deck situation as our team continues to respond to the bypass. In fact, we have had to call in extra officers to help! Visibility remains bad, roads are slick. Only minor injuries are being reported at this time," the SJCSO said.
"One of our officers had to drive off the road to avoid being hit by a semi. Thankfully, they are okay!"
UPDATE AS OF NOON: The South Bend police report they briefly shut down the bypass, but it has since reopened.
Indiana State Police Sergeant Ted Bohner says ISP is currently working a series of crashes in the area of the 60 Mile Marker creating issues for westbound traffic. This is just west of the St. Joseph/La Porte County line.
He believes there are four crashes in that area.
In Marshall County, there is a crash on U.S. 30 westbound (Mile Marker 67.9) between Iris Road and King Road, about one mile east of the Plymouth area.
All lanes are closed in the westbound direction of travel.
UPDATE: The St. Joseph County Police Department confirmed to ABC57 that their team is responding to three separate crashes in the southbound lanes of the bypass between S.R. 2 and Mayflower Road.
Police say one of those crashes involves at least 10 to 15 cars.
Authorities say injuries are unknown at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As of 11:28 a.m., the eastbound lanes of the U.S. 20 Bypass between Crumstown Highway and Mayflower Road are closed due to a crash.
The South Bend Police Department reports they've responded to several crashes and slide-offs on U.S. 20 Tuesday morning.
Police say the snow and frigid temps have caused the roads to become slick.
Authorities are asking drivers to find alternative routes if they’re out and about Tuesday morning or afternoon.
SBPD also responded to a crash that occurred just past Belmont Beverage on S.R. 23, around 10 a.m.
We'll keep this story updated as we learn more.