A significant traffic incident occurred today on westbound State Route 198 near State Route 99 in Visalia, CA, when a big rig overturned, blocking all lanes and causing major traffic disruptions. The accident was reported at approximately 8:35 AM, with emergency services responding promptly to the scene.
The big rig, which was hauling a 53-foot trailer, lost its load of concrete structures, resulting in the vehicle lying on its side across the highway. Traffic was diverted to ensure the safety of motorists and facilitate cleanup efforts. The California Highway Patrol and local fire services were on-site to manage the situation.
Due to the severity of the incident, all westbound lanes of State Route 198 were closed, with traffic redirected to the northbound connection of State Route 99. The cleanup operation is expected to take several hours, with initial estimates indicating that the roadway may remain closed for at least 90 minutes.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. The status of any injuries related to the incident remains unknown, but emergency responders were on standby to assist as needed.
This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the potential for significant traffic disruptions caused by large vehicles on highways. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and to exercise caution when traveling in the area.