San Francisco residents expecting loved ones from Los Angeles should anticipate traffic delays after a big rig crash just south of the Grapevine Wednesday caused a 35-mile backup on northbound Interstate 5.
The big rig was carrying 15-foot metal poles when it crashed around noon and lost its load, spreading the material across all lanes of the freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Just before 6 p.m., CHP officials announced that the three left lanes of I-5 were reopened, however, cleanup crews were expected to take nearly an hour and a half to finish clearing the poles.
Traffic is now backed up over 20 miles, but at one point, the backup spread over 35 miles with a two-hour delay, according to the California Department of Transportation.
Officials are warning travelers passing through the area to ensure they have a full tank of gas and extra water due to the delays.
Avoid NB I-5 in #Grapevine #Castaic in northern #LACounty - Debris in the roadway. Use other routes. Two left lanes closed. Traffic backup is 20 miles. No estimated opening time. Cleanup is underway. Check current conditions and closures at https://t.co/O37QesJHpw pic.twitter.com/SB5WAYMizR
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) November 23, 2023