A traffic collision on State Route 198 (SR 198) in Visalia, CA, caused significant traffic disruptions today. The incident involved two vehicles: a Chevrolet Tahoe and a compact Mitsubishi. The collision occurred around 2:53 PM at the intersection of SR 198 eastbound and Shirk Road, resulting in both vehicles being rendered non-drivable and requiring towing.
Emergency response units promptly arrived on the scene to manage traffic and implement control measures. Lane adjustments were made to facilitate the flow of vehicles, but motorists experienced delays and congestion as a result of the incident. The presence of emergency personnel and tow trucks contributed to the traffic backup in the area.
By approximately 3:25 PM, tow trucks were on-site to remove the damaged vehicles, which helped alleviate some of the traffic issues. However, delays continued as crews worked to clear the roadway and restore normal traffic patterns.
Drivers in the vicinity of SR 198 and Shirk Road are advised to seek alternate routes if possible, as residual congestion may persist for some time. The California Highway Patrol is actively managing the situation to ensure that traffic flows smoothly once the vehicles have been cleared.