Update: Eastbound I-580 roadway crack near Livermore forces lane closures
LIVERMORE -- Caltrans crews battled winds and rain Tuesday as they raced to repair a crack and small landslide that has forced the closure of two eastbound lanes on Interstate Highway 580 in Livermore.
The closure backed up traffic during the morning commute as a wet weather system moved into the area. There was no ETA as to when the repairs would be completed and the lane reopened.
Caltrans spokesman Bart Ney warned drivers to expect lengthy delays.
"Expect delays on 580 heading east through here," he told reporters standing next to the slide. "There's not a lot of detours. Those of you thinking about Altamont Pass Rd. It's not so great for trucks. It's a narrow, windy road. It will get you around here, but think about the delay."
The crack was first reported on Monday afternoon.
Caltrans tweeted at 2:42 p.m. that the two right lanes of eastbound I-580 were closed east of North Flynn Road and that while crews were working to reopen the lanes, they would not be reopened in time for the eastbound commute.
The two right lanes of eastbound I-580 are closed east of North Flynn Road in Livermore due to a crack in the lanes. @CaltransD4 is working to reopen the lanes, however we are unable to reopen in time for Monday afternoon/evening commute. Thank you for your patience.
— Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) March 20, 2023
The crack appears to have been caused by a small landslide next to the eastbound lanes which also collapsed a portion of the concrete barrier along the shoulder.
As of 4:22 p.m., traffic was backed up more than 17 miles to Airway Boulevard. Frontage roads along I-580 were also jammed as the closure triggered a chaotic commute.