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For unknown reasons, power lines fell on top of the 5 freeway this afternoon in Burbank, completely halting traffic in both directions.
The live wires were reported down across the southbound lanes of the 5 at Alameda Avenue shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol’s traffic log. The log also said a grass fire was reported next to a white Dodge Durango after an electrical wire hit the windshield. By 2:40 p.m. wires had stopped traffic in both lanes. A SigAlert was issued in both directions at 2:45 p.m. that was cancelled at 3:11 p.m. (LAist called CHP for more details but they weren't offering comment.)
KTLA reports that from its helicopter, a firefighter could be seen removing the wire shortly before lanes were reopened.
It's not known what caused the wires to fall. The Burbank police are warning the public to expect delays.
Glendale wires cleared 5 FREEWAY REOPENED ALL LANES!!! @KNX1070 @KCBSKCALDesk @FondoKNXTraffic pic.twitter.com/ZYGCBP99bY
— stu mundel (@Stu_Mundel) June 9, 2015
Interstate 5 freeway closure in Burbank, power line fell across road near Alameda Exit. Massive backups. pic.twitter.com/0XVLABlI8h
— Tara Finestone (@tarawallis) June 9, 2015
THIS JUST IN: downed power line shuts down SB 5 Fwy at Alameda; traffic stopped in both directions. Updates @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/q9hhGAz0tW
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) June 9, 2015
#BREAKING: Both NB and SB lanes of the 5 fwy at Alameda shut down after power line falls across all lanes. #Burbank pic.twitter.com/hFWnNVs9Dr
— Jennifer Thang (@jenniferthang) June 9, 2015
and just as quickly as it shutdown.. the 5 freeway is back open through Burbank, power line is safely off freeway. pic.twitter.com/apr4wEVqyD
— Tara Finestone (@tarawallis) June 9, 2015