Big-Rig Fire Leads To Nightmare Commute On Altamont Pass
ALTAMONT PASS (CBS SF) – A severe traffic alert has been issued for Interstate 580 at the Altamont Pass Tuesday morning after a big-rig caught fire, prompting lane closures.
According to authorities, the tractor-trailer caught fire on westbound 580 near North Flynn Road near Livermore shortly before 4 a.m.
Officials said the driver was able to get out of the big-rig and no injuries were reported. The tractor trailer was reportedly carrying frozen food, salami and bacon, firefighters said.
Livermore: #ALCOFire B3, E8, LPFD E98, Camp Parks Water Tender (WT) 44, Tracy FD E95 & WT 90 responded to I-580 WB before N. Flynn Rd & extinguished a big-rig fire on the right shoulder. Truck was carrying frozen food, salami & ????. No injuries. Expect delays along Altamont Pass. pic.twitter.com/21sXLkydUO
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) March 19, 2019
The fire led to the closure of all westbound lanes before 5 a.m., but as of 7:40 a.m., the right lane remained blocked. Major backups on Interstate 580 and Interstate 205 through Tracy have been reported.
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A check on Google Maps around 7:30 a.m. estimated a drive between Tracy and Downtown San Jose would take 2-3 hours, with the fastest route including a stretch of Tesla Road, a windy two-lane road between the Central Valley and Livermore.
The California Highway Patrol had no estimated time when all lanes would be open.