MONTROSE, Ill. (WCIA) — Drivers in Montrose might want to find a new route if they typically rely on I-70.

On Thursday night, the Illinois State Police reported five distinct accidents in the Montrose and Teutopolis regions. The Montrose Fire Protection District dedicated eight hours on the interstate to clear the crash sites.

Every crash occurred within a construction zone where the highway narrows to a single lane. The Montrose Fire Chief has advised family and friends to completely steer clear of the highway.

“It appears that the onset of construction work coincides with a significant increase in the number of calls to the interstate,” commented Chris Overbeck, Montrose Fire Chief.

Overbeck said drivers rushing to merge is one reason he thinks there were several crashes in that zone. He wants to remind people to keep an eye on their mirrors and leave extra space when they merge.