Massive traffic backup on Highway 37 after big rig crash

The Santa Rosa-area CHP office advised motorists to avoid the area and recommended taking Highway 29 as an alternate route between Sonoma and Napa.

The fire from the big-rig spread spread to vegetation on the side of the highway but is now out, according to Contra Costa Fire spokesperson Robert Marshall.

A big rig crashed through a freeway divider, caused several vehicles to collide with concrete debris and started a brush fire on Interstate 680, blocking lanes and snarling traffic for hours Friday morning, authorities said.

The crash occurred on westbound Highway 37 near the West Wilson Avenue off-ramp. The fires closed each highway in both directions for a few time, CHP officials said. CHP says that could take several hours, so the scene may be clear by around 8:45 a.m.

CHP does not have an estimate of when all lanes will reopen.

“We’re counting our blessings this morning”, Fransen said regarding the minimal injuries resulting from the collision.

“The cargo is all hay”, Harvey said, quelling fears the cargo was toxic.

Officers have established one-way traffic control in the eastbound lanes of the highway. No one was injured in the collision involving five vehicles, he said.