Separate big-rig accidents snarl traffic on Hwy 238, westbound Hwy 24 in Oakland
Incidents involving a big-rig fire in San Leandro blocking the northbound SR-238 connector in San Leandro and an overturned big-rig on westbound Highway 24 at the Caldecott Tunnel are causing major traffic delays Wednesday morning, CHP said.
The first incident was reported at around 2:15 a.m. when a big-rig crashed crashed into the center divide and caught fire on the northbound SR-238 connector ramp to I-880 N in San Leandro. As of 5 a.m., the connector ramp is closed and traffic is being diverted from northbound I-238 to southbound I-880.
Alameda County Fire posted video of crews responding to the fire early Tuesday. The post said the trailer was hauling food and produce and that the driver was not injured. As of 7:20 a.m., firefighters were still on scene.
🚒🔥At 2:19 a.m., the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) responded to a 40-foot semi-truck trailer that crashed into the center divide at NB238 and I-580.
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) September 11, 2024
The driver was not injured. The trailer was hauling food and produce.
Firefighters are still on scene. pic.twitter.com/8otaRLUDju
The Hayward office of the CHP shared photos and videos of the progress being made clearing the scene, but the northbound connector remained closed with traffic moving slowly past the accident location.
Shortly before 5 a.m., CHP responded to another injury collision involving a big rig on westbound Highway 24 just past the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland that has blocked all lanes. Video from the scene showed the big-rig had overturned and was on its side.
Traffic is being diverted off to northbound Highway 13. So far there is no word on the condition of the injured parties in either incident. CHP and Caltrans personnel are at the scene of both accidents.
As of 8:30 a.m., crews were still clearing the sod that the truck was carrying from the roadway, as shown in video posted on social media by the CHP Oakland office.
TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE (8:33 AM): W/B SR-24 near SR-13 remains closed. Crews are working diligently to clean up the debris. Use alternate routes if possible. No ETO. pic.twitter.com/TJ3dawO2or
— CHP Oakland (@CHPoakland) September 11, 2024
By around 9:20 a.m., CHP said the debris was cleared and Caltrans was working to finish sweeping the area. Crews were able to reopen all westbound lanes of Highway 24 at around 9:50 a.m.
FINAL UPDATE (9:50 AM):
— CHP Oakland (@CHPoakland) September 11, 2024
All lanes of W/B SR-24 near SR -13 are now open following a big rig crash from this morning.
Details: Big Rig overturned carrying approximately 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of lawn sod. Driver sustained possible injuries. No other vehicles involved. pic.twitter.com/w6ID65HjHU
Motorists are advised to expect delays in both areas and to use alternate routes.