Crime & Safety
5 Freeway SigAlert: Roadway Bubbling Shuts Down Several Lanes Tuesday
Crews were looking into whether or not it could be the start of a sinkhole Tuesday afternoon after the bubbling was reported in South OC.
SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Caltrans crews were investigating a case of roadway bubbling on the I-5 freeway traveling through San Clemente on Tuesday, and three lanes on the freeway were closed until officials could determine whether or not the bubbling would lead to a sinkhole.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY I-5 N/B, north of Avenida Vista Hermosa: The 3 left lanes are blocked until further notice due to bubbling (4’ in diameter) of the roadway. Caltrans drilled and is draining the raised areas and assessing the roadway. #sanclemente pic.twitter.com/N1UQziuVX3
— CHP Capistrano Area (@CHPCapistrano) March 21, 2023
The bubbles were reported in the #1 lane of the freeway traveling north near Avenida Vista Hermosa at around 8:50 a.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Rafael Reynoso told Patch.
While the bubbles may lead to a sinkhole, Reynoso said CHP quickly blocked off lanes before that could happen. Caltrans crews already drilled into the concrete and is currently draining the "raised areas" of the roadway.
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The HOV, #1 and #2 lane of the freeway were shut down and a SigAlert was issued at 10:51 a.m.
The SigAlert will be in place "until further notice," officials said.
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