State Route 78 Update

Caltrans reports that state Route 78 will remain closed in the vicinity of Third Street to Magnolia Road until this evening at about 8 as crews work to replace a utility pole and power lines damaged in a traffic collision this morning.

Detour signs are directing motorists around the closure by using Old Julian Highway. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible or seek alternative routes to their destinations.

The accident occurred about 10:45 a.m. when the driver of an eastbound water truck lost control of the vehicle while attempting to stop for slowing traffic ahead of him, according to the California Highway Patrol. No one was injured, but the truck snapped a utility pole in half and hit some mailboxes along the roadside near Feghali Road east of Magnolia Avenue.