Riverbed Fire Closes Southbound Lanes On 5 Fwy In Commerce
COMMERCE (CBSLA.com) — All lanes of the southbound 5 Freeway were shut down Tuesday after a fire erupted beneath a freeway bridge, city officials reported.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, a SigAlert was issued for the 5 Freeway at East Slauson Avenue shortly before midnight on Monday after flames erupted underneath a bridge at the exit.
Firefighters said they were able to extinguish the blaze around 1 a.m., however, concerns were raised over potential damage to the bridge.
Around 5 a.m., all of the northbound lanes of the freeway reopened.
Only one southbound lane has reopened to commuters at this time. The other southbound lanes remain closed.
Traffic is being diverted to the northbound 605 Freeway, authorities said.
Caltrans workers are checking the integrity of the bridges.
The SigAlert will remain in effect until further notice, officials said.