BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — All lanes of northbound Highway 99 have been closed Tuesday night as crews work to fix power poles that fell into lanes.
According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident website, the poles were first reported down around 6 p.m. in the area of Highway 99 south of David Rd.
The wires from the power pole could be seen down on at least one semi truck in the area.
According to Caltrans, traffic is being detoured onto Highway 166 until further notices.
The Kern County Fire Department said approximately 12 poles were down in the northbound lanes and KCFD along with PG&E were working to secure the lines and remove them from the traffic lanes. Officials believe powerful winds across the county are to blame.
Drivers are asked to use an alternate route, or expect delays.
Kern County: Northbound 99 CLOSED just north of State Route 166 due to downed power lines in the roadway. Detouring traffic onto 166. No ETO pic.twitter.com/O2qfa9S44Y
— Caltrans District 6 (@CaltransDist6) January 20, 2021
High winds in the valley have created hazardous conditions. Currently @kerncountyfire and @PGE4Me are working to divert drivers around approximately 12 fallen poles, with electrical lines across a semi and lanes of NB Hwy 99 north of Hwy 166. Careful while traveling tonight. pic.twitter.com/nfacpOyYPy
— Kern County Fire (@kerncountyfire) January 20, 2021
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
