Executive Summary
- Northbound I-95 is closed near mile marker 156 in Indian River County due to a fatal crash.
- The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the scene; victim identification is pending.
- Officials have established detailed westbound and eastbound detour routes.
- Motorists are advised to expect significant delays and extended closure times.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has closed all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Indian River County following a fatal collision Friday evening near mile marker 156.
Troopers are currently on the scene conducting an investigation into the incident. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the number of vehicles involved or the identity of the victim. Officials state that the highway is expected to remain closed for an extended period to facilitate the investigation and site cleanup.
To manage traffic flow and mitigate significant delays, officials have implemented specific detour routes. Motorists utilizing the westbound detour should proceed west on County Road 512 (Fellsmere Road), turn north onto Broadway, continue west on South Carolina Avenue, and travel north on County Road 507 (Babcock Street) into Palm Bay. Drivers can rejoin I-95 at mile marker 166 via the St. John Heritage Parkway.
An eastbound detour has also been established. Drivers are advised to head east on County Road 512, travel north on U.S. Highway 1, and continue west on Malabar Road to rejoin northbound I-95 at mile marker 173. Authorities urge all travelers in the area to allow for extra transit time.
Operational Impact and Investigative Outlook
The complete closure of a major arterial interstate underscores the severity of the incident and the operational challenges facing regional traffic management. As the Florida Highway Patrol conducts a standard traffic homicide investigation, the priority remains on precise scene reconstruction to determine the cause of the fatality. The diversion of interstate traffic onto secondary roads such as U.S. Highway 1 and County Road 507 is likely to result in substantial congestion within the local road network until the corridor is cleared and deemed safe for travel.
