Big rig overturns, blocking traffic along Highway 99 in Merced, CHP says

An overturned big rig blocked traffic along Highway 99 in Merced on Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Just before 10 a.m., officers responded to the collision along Highway 99 just north of V Street, according CHP Officer Eric Zuniga. Authorities said the the big rig tractor, driven by a 71-year-old Stockton man, was traveling along Highway 99 in the No. 1 southbound lane.

For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which struck a K-rail between the southbound lanes and the No. 1 northbound lane split.

The collision caused the vehicle to overturn, coming to rest in the number 1 northbound lane of Highway 99, according to Zuniga.

Authorities said the driver was wearing a seat belt and suffered minor injuries in the collision. According to the CHP, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision, which remains under investigation.

Zuniga said northbound Highway 99 traffic will be diverted to the No. 2 lane and the No. 1 northbound lane is expected to be closed for at least two hours, as authorities work to clear the scene.

“Southbound is not being affected by the traffic collision,” Zuniga said.

The CHP advises motorists traveling through the area to seek alternate routes if possible.