SIG ALERT: Dump Truck Spill Closes Southbound Costa Mesa Freeway

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A big rig hauling sand was on its side Tuesday for unknown reasons, wreaking havoc on the Southbound Costa Mesa (55) Freeway. Lanes were closed for at least an hour for the cleanup after the event.

There was no word as to injuries from the crash, however the massive amount of sand, gravel and fuel covered the roadway incited both a one lane northbound closure and a full southbound closure for the 55 Freeway.

"At approximately 11:45 a.m. a red semi hauling sand rolled over and went through a center divider wall," California Highway Patrol reported from the scene.

Sand from the truck was blocking lanes for over 100 feet, CHP officers said, as well as oil and fuel that spilled from the rig. The SIG Alert was put into place at just after 12 p.m. for the cleanup efforts, closing a section of the Costa Mesa Freeway at the 73 in Newport Beach, Tuesday, CHP said

The closure is likely until about 1:30 p.m. for the southbound Costa Mesa Freeway. The northbound No. 1 lane of the 55 Freeway is also closed at the same location."

As of 1:30 p.m. the #3 lane of the 55 was open, and traffic was being diverted to the 73.

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