[UPDATE 9:02 A.M.] 101 Closed South of Richardson Grove

According to dispatch and a witness, Shanda Centeno, who sent in these photos, Hwy 101 is closed south of Richardson Grove near Cooks Valley. A turquoise Pontiac Sunfire collided with a utility pole sending lines spilling across the freeway.

“She busted the pole in half,” explained Centeno, a local resident about the accident. At 7:10 a.m., the woman was “still in the vehicle,” said Centeno. Emergency crews were removing her.

Traffic is currently backing up in both directions.

Map shows approximate location of the accident.

UPDATE 7:33 a.m.: CHP dispatch has confirmed that PG&E is now at the scene and crews are working to clear the road. One lane controlled traffic is expected by 8 a.m.

UPDATE 7:53 a.m.: Cal Trans spokesperson Eli Rohl estimates that one lane controlled traffic in not expected until approximately 8:30 a.m.

UPDATE 8:06 a.m.: According to Eli Rohl, there is one way controlled traffic. PG&E will be working in the area and traffic will probably be constricted for several hours.

UPDATE 9:02 a.m.: Although traffic was temporarily flowing normally, PG&E has traffic control back up in order to replace the pole.