I-5 in NorCal reopened after blizzard conditions leave miles of semi trucks stuck

Interstate 5 in northern California reopened last night after a day of blizzard-like conditions forced the closure of the roadway. 

Interstate 5 in Redding, California was shut down on the north and southbound sides at Fawndale and Edgewood due to the winter conditions at 6:23 a.m. on November 20th, California Highway Patrol reported. 

The closure stranded truckers on the side of the road, some for over 20 hours, as they awaited the reopening of I-5. However, CalTrans Public Information Officer Chris Woodward says that drivers being stuck down near Fawndale in the valley was as close to an ideal situation as possible, as there are amenities in the area so they can take care of themselves. 

“Fawndale is a great place for our closure northbound because it keeps them in the valley,” Woodward said to ABC 7. “Close to amenities, so your hotels your food and if you continue going north those run out pretty quickly “

“Our staff, CHP, they work long shifts to try to keep our highways open and safe as possible,” Woodward continued. “We don’t close just for fun, we close for the safety of everyone. We don’t want a passage out there where people aren’t safe.“

California Highway Patrol Redding reported that Interstate 5 was reopened in both directions by 11:45 p.m. on November 20th. R1 chain controls were still in effect on northbound I-5 as of 6:30 a.m. on November 21st. 

Winter weather is expected to continue through the weekend.