[UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: ‘High Voltage Line Across the Highway’ and Vegetation Fire Near Scene of Last Night’s Crash on 101 in Arcata

Screenshot from Caltrans QuickMap showing the scene. Red lines indicate barely moving to completely stopped traffic.

About 7 a.m., an emergency call center received a report of utility lines in the northbound lane of Hwy 101 near Sunset where utility lines down closed Hwy 101 last night. Then they learned that there was a vegetation fire from downed powerlines. Firefighters arrived quickly on scene.

CHP asked to ‘try and divert traffic from southbound 101 to Giuntoli’ so vehicles are diverted around the trouble spot.

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: PG&E is on scene and has cut the line. Traffic is beginning to move and Arcata Police officers are working with CHP officers to reopen the onramps and allow traffic to travel on the 101 again, according to the scanner and the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page. However, Caltrans QuickMap shows that traffic is still a mess.

Earlier: Vehicle Crash Sends Power Lines Across 101 in Arcata, Reports Officer on Scene