Highway 5 Closure and Boulder Incident After Kern County Earthquake
Several lanes of Highway 5 through the Grapevine area had to be closed for several hours on a Tuesday night due to a large boulder falling onto the roadway shortly after a major earthquake struck Kern County. This incident occurred on the southbound side of the highway, specifically south of Grapevine Road, at 9:11 p.m., just two days after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake near Bakersfield.
Caltrans Crews’ Response and Resolution
Video footage captured the boulder obstructing two lanes of traffic, resulting in significant backups in the Grapevine area. Fortunately, Caltrans crews swiftly responded to the scene and successfully removed the boulders around midnight, allowing all lanes to reopen. Thankfully, there were no injuries or property damage reported as a result of the incident.
Road Safety Measures After Earthquake
California Highway Patrol officials issued a warning to motorists to exercise caution on the roads the following morning and to be on the lookout for any branches, rocks, or debris that may have been dislodged due to the earthquake. The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks originated in a remote area near the Kern Lake bed southwest of Lamont, being felt as far north as Fresno, as far east as the Inland Empire, and as far south as San Diego.
In conclusion, the rapid response and efficient resolution of the boulder incident on Highway 5 demonstrate the effectiveness of emergency services in Kern County. It serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures in the aftermath of natural disasters like earthquakes, ensuring the well-being of all road users.
