Interstate 15 Re-Opens After Power Lines Fall On Temecula Freeway

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley motorists faced severe delays on Thursday when the California Highway Patrol shut down an entire stretch of Interstate 15 in the area after power lines fell onto the freeway. The closure lasted nearly two hours.

It started around 9:30 a.m. just south of the I-15/I-215 split, according to preliminary CHP reports. Logs indicate that a semi truck may have struck the lines, dragging them into the roadway.

Sparks ignited a spot fire on the shoulder of the interstate, but Murrieta Fire & Rescue personnel quickly dousing the flames, according to reports from the scene.

Southern California Edison technicians were then summoned to remove and repair the utility lines, as the CHP and Murrieta police closed both the north- and southbound sides of I-15 shortly before 10 a.m. Sheriff's deputies and Murrieta police officers also closed freeway on-ramps, and the CHP closed the Interstate 215 transition to I-15 in French Valley, causing major congestion.

In total, the freeway was completely shut down between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Winchester Road, turning it into a parking lot for the stranded motorists behind the wreck.

A SigAlert was issued about 10:30 a.m. because of the traffic tie-ups and blockages. Nearby surface streets were also heavily congested as a result.

Shortly after 11 a.m., SCE crews secured the utility lines, and by 11:15 a.m., all northbound lanes on I-15 were re-opened. Ten minutes later, all southbound lanes were opened.

The incident also prompted a power outage for nearly 800 Southern California Edison customers. Officials say a total of 793 customers lost power. As of 1:07 p.m., that power had yet to be restored, according to the agency.

This stretch of Interstate 15 serves as the major connection between San Diego and Riverside counties.

— City News Service contributed to this report.