CHP opens 2 southbound lanes on 5 Freeway after debris flow
The California Highway Patrol said Wednesday evening that it opened two southbound lanes on the 5 Freeway north of Burbank, where mud, water and debris shut down the busy artery in both directions.
The agency said about 5:15 p.m. that it was hoping to open more lanes as crews continued to clean up the mud, water and rocks that covered the area. All northbound lanes remained closed.
The agency was urging rush-hour motorists to use alternate routes after the 5 Freeway north of Burbank was completely shut down in both directions because of flooding and mud.
The CHP said that southbound drivers should take the 5 Freeway to southbound 170 Freeway and then use the eastbound 101 Freeway. Drivers heading north were urged to take the 5 Freeway to the westbound 134 Freeway and then use the 170 Freeway to get back on the 5 Freeway.
Initially, one southbound lane of the freeway remained opened near Sunland Boulevard after mud, water and debris covered the other lanes. But a full shutdown was ordered shortly before 4 p.m. as crews worked to clear the lanes.
Earlier Wednesday, a CHP unit at the scene reported “tons of water” and “all lanes covered in rocks, debris and mud.”
Some cars were stranded, according to television news footage and CHP reports from the scene.
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