LISBON — A vehicle crash Thursday near the intersection of Lisbon Street and River Road snarled traffic in several areas around the crash site. Less than two hours later, a multi-vehicle wreck on Upland Road caused further traffic issues.

Police said at about 4 p.m. Thursday, a Ford Taurus driven by a 17-year-old female from Sabattus struck a telephone pole which caused power lines to fall onto Route 196.

“The operator told police that a vehicle drifted into her lane and she had to swerve to miss the vehicle, which caused her to collide with the pole,” according to a press release from the Lisbon Police Department. “Minor injuries were reported but nobody was transported to the hospital. The pole was completely broken off and Consolidated Communications responded for repairs. Campbell’s Towing responded to tow the vehicle.”

Several motorists reported traffic back-ups in several areas as police sought to divert commuter hour traffic around the crash site. The second crash, at Route 9 and Upland Road, only compounded traffic issues.

At about 5:30 p.m., a 2022 Peterbilt tractor trailer, operated by a 34-year-old Lisbon man, was headed south on Ridge Road at a reduced speed, police said. A 2006 Toyota Corolla, operated by 20 year-old man from Auburn, turned left onto Upland Road cutting off the Peterbilt, causing the truck to strike the vehicle. The corolla then collided with a green 2020 Jeep Cherokee on Upland Road.

No injuries were reported in that wreck. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

“Due to both Lisbon Street and Ridge Road being closed at the same time, coupled with Main Street being closed due to the Frazier Bridge replacement, traffic attempting to drive through Lisbon was disrupted,” according to the police press release. “Emergency crews worked diligently prioritizing safety and worked towards getting the roadways opened for travelers.”

On the Town of Lisbon community Facebook page, a couple of local drivers reported being stuck in traffic for more than 30 minutes as a result of the crashes. Some people used the page to recommend alternate routes and to advise others on how to avoid the worst of the traffic issues.