Vehicle crashes into pole in Merced County, causing roadway closure
State Route 59 was closed at East Gerard Ave. in south Merced on Monday morning after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Merced said the crash brought down power lines across the roadway, requiring a full closure.
Repairs are expected to take approximately eight hours, according to a CHP Merced Facebook post published at about 11:15 a.m.
There will be traffic delays while emergency crews work to restore power and reopen the roadway.
CHP is asking drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.
Jim Silva
The Modesto Bee