Concrete Failure Causes Morning Crash and Five‑Mile Traffic Jam on San Diego Freeway

Damaged concrete on the southbound San Diego Freeway triggered a minor crash and set off a five‑mile traffic jam early Wednesday morning, forcing two lanes to shut down for emergency repairs.

Crash Details

At approximately 4:35 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received a call about a collision just north of the 101 Freeway. An officer on the scene reported that the crash was minor and that no one was injured. The involved vehicle was damaged by loose concrete that had fallen from the roadway.

Traffic Impact

By 7:30 a.m., traffic on the southbound lanes had become stop‑and‑go. The congestion stretched back five miles to Nordhoff Street in North Hills, causing significant delays for commuters heading into the city.

Emergency Repairs

Crews immediately began emergency repairs, shutting down two right‑hand lanes to address the gaps left by the damaged concrete. The concrete fragments left large voids in the pavement, prompting workers to work quickly to restore safe driving conditions.

Officer Statements

An officer on the scene said, “No one was injured,” and noted that the concrete had caused large gaps in the two right lanes. The officer added that it was not immediately clear how the concrete came loose in the first place. The California Highway Patrol later said it is unclear how long it will take to complete the emergency repairs.

Key Takeaways

• Minor crash at 4:35 a.m. north of the 101 Freeway.
• No injuries reported.
• Five‑mile congestion by 7:30 a.m. extending to Nordhoff Street.
• Two lanes closed for emergency concrete repairs.
• CHP uncertain about repair duration.

The incident underscores how a single structural failure can ripple through traffic patterns, turning a brief collision into a multi‑mile gridlock. Drivers are advised to monitor updates from the California Highway Patrol as repairs continue.