Truck Drivers Back on the Road as I-22 Reopens After Ice Storm

Dozens of truckers stranded for days as crews cleared icy conditions on major interstate

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Interstate 22 in Holly Springs, Mississippi has reopened after being shut down for days due to icy winter weather, allowing dozens of truck drivers who were stranded along the interstate to resume their journeys. Truck drivers Trevor Moore and Joe Barrera shared their experiences of being stuck for hours and even days as the icy conditions brought traffic to a standstill.

Why it matters

The closure of I-22 had a significant impact on the regional transportation and logistics network, stranding numerous commercial truck drivers and disrupting supply chains. The reopening of the interstate is an important step in restoring normal operations and getting goods moving again.

The details

Mississippi Department of Transportation crews worked around the clock to clear the icy conditions on I-22, which had left the interstate impassable. Truck driver Trevor Moore said he had never experienced a shutdown like this in his four years on the job, while Joe Barrera reported being stuck in a "sea of vehicles" for 22 hours, only moving about 1,000 feet during that time. Despite the long delays, experienced drivers like Barrera said they were prepared to handle extended stops, with supplies like water, canned goods, and onboard power.

  • On Saturday, icy winter weather conditions forced the closure of I-22 in Holly Springs.
  • For several days, MDOT crews worked to clear the ice and reopen the interstate.

The players

Trevor Moore

A truck driver from Holly Springs, Mississippi who was traveling from Atlanta to Memphis when the interstate shutdown occurred.

Joe Barrera

A truck driver who was stuck on I-22 in North Mississippi for nearly a week due to the icy conditions.

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and clearing the interstate highways in Mississippi.

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What they’re saying

“It was a mess. I guess it was part of trucking.”

— Trevor Moore, Truck Driver (localmemphis.com)

“I was in that sea of vehicles for 22 hours.”

— Joe Barrera, Truck Driver (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

MDOT officials have advised drivers to remain cautious, as there is still potential for black ice on the roads, especially at night.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical role that truck drivers play in the transportation and logistics network, as well as the challenges they can face due to extreme weather events. The successful reopening of I-22 is an important step in restoring normal operations and getting goods moving again across the region.