Tree Falls On Highway 17, Blocking Lanes In Santa Clara County

LOS GATOS (CBS SF) -- A large tree is blocking two lanes on state Highway 17 in unincorporated Santa Clara County Tuesday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers received a report at about 12:10 p.m. of a tree blocking lanes on Highway 17 at Redwood Estates, CHP Officer Ron Simmons said.

Initially all four lanes—two northbound and two southbound—were blocked. As of 1:05 p.m., two of the lanes remained blocked, CHP Officer Ross Lee said.

Officers responded to the scene along with fire crews, who used chainsaws to cut the large tree into portions, Lee said.

The tree measured between 12 inches and 18 inches in diameter, according to Lee.

Caltrans personnel have arrived to the scene and are in the process of removing the tree, Lee said.

There have been multiple collisions that led to property damage in the area within the hour of when the tree went down, according to Lee.

No injuries were reported in any of the crashes. There is no estimated time for when the roadway will be cleared, according to the CHP.