Drivers heading into Vestal from Tioga County encountered lengthy delays following a two-car crash on the Southern Tier Expressway.

The collision occurred around 7:45 a.m. Thursday in the eastbound lanes of Route 17 in Apalachin.

The crash happened a short distance from a work zone that was being set up by New York State Department of Transportation employees.

State police and an ambulance from the Apalachin Fire Department were called to the scene.

Eastbound traffic ground to a halt back to Exit 66. Heavier than usual traffic volume was reported on Route 434 and Route 17C as motorists avoided the backup.

Many cars and trucks made illegal U-turns at a turnaround. Several near-collisions involving westbound vehicles were observed.

A vehicle making a U-turn on Route 17 in Apalachin to avoid a morning traffic tie-up. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A vehicle making a U-turn on Route 17 in Apalachin to avoid a morning traffic tie-up. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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