Interstate 80 westbound remains completely closed in Placer County following a serious multi-vehicle collision that occurred near Drum Forebay Road on Monday afternoon around 1:50 p.m. The crash involved at least two big rigs and four to five passenger vehicles, resulting in at least two people being transported with major injuries and several others with minor injuries. The California Highway Patrol responded quickly to the scene, but the severity of the accident has left westbound I-80 impassable while crews work to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause.
One of the most challenging aspects of this crash is that one big rig left the roadway and went over an embankment, creating a significant diesel fuel leak that adds complexity to the cleanup and reopening process. Caltrans has diverted westbound traffic at Nyack, meaning anyone traveling west through the Sierra Nevada region should expect major delays from Emigrant to Forebay. At this time, the California Highway Patrol has not provided an estimated time for reopening the westbound lanes, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
If you need to travel westbound on I-80 today or tonight, plan for significant delays and consider alternate routes. Check with CHP or Caltrans for the latest traffic information before you head out. Have you used I-80 through this area recently? What route do you typically take when the main highway is blocked?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
