Crash blocks eastbound I-10 near Verrado Way in Buckeye, forcing traffic diversion Tuesday morning

What happened and where

A crash on eastbound Interstate 10 near Verrado Way in Buckeye blocked all eastbound lanes Tuesday morning, triggering a traffic diversion and extended delays for commuters traveling through the far West Valley.

State troopers were dispatched to the scene at about 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026. As cleanup and investigation activity continued, traffic was directed off the freeway at the Verrado Way exit. Westbound I-10 traffic was not impacted by the closure.

Traffic impacts and what drivers encountered

With all eastbound lanes blocked at the crash location, the immediate effect was a forced merge into an exit-based detour rather than a partial lane restriction. In practical terms, that means drivers approaching the area could not continue eastbound on the mainline past Verrado Way and instead had to leave the freeway, navigate surface streets, and re-enter I-10 beyond the affected segment.

Authorities indicated delays could extend for hours, reflecting the operational reality of full-lane blockages: responders must secure the scene, address any medical needs, document evidence for reconstruction or enforcement purposes when applicable, and then remove disabled vehicles and debris before reopening.

Injuries and investigative status

Information about injuries was not confirmed early Tuesday. Authorities said it was not yet clear what injuries, if any, were sustained. The number of vehicles involved and the cause of the crash were not publicly established at the time of the initial response.

Context: why this stretch of I-10 is sensitive to disruption

The Verrado Way area functions as a key access point for Buckeye’s growing residential and commercial corridors and is a major gateway for travel between Phoenix’s West Valley and communities farther west. When a crash blocks all lanes on this segment, backups can develop quickly because there are limited parallel routes capable of absorbing sudden freeway-level volumes.

Recent years have also brought significant construction and interchange work along I-10 in Buckeye, including major widening and interchange reconstruction between State Route 85 and Verrado Way. While that project has been reported as completed, drivers in the area can still encounter periodic restrictions tied to ongoing regional work and operations, making real-time routing choices especially important during incidents.

What motorists can do during similar closures

• Expect sudden slowdowns approaching Buckeye on eastbound I-10 during morning commute hours when an incident blocks lanes.
• Be prepared to exit earlier than planned if traffic is being diverted at Verrado Way.
• Allow extra travel time and use real-time traffic tools when available to confirm reopenings and detour conditions.

This story reflects information available as of Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026. Details may change as investigators release additional findings.