A crash on Highway 101 has caused a serious traffic backup and downed power lines leading to a large-scale outage in Novato.
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A single vehicle went off the road after 9 a.m. on Thursday near the Highway 37 eastbound transition and struck a power pole, causing a shutdown of 101 in both directions. The driver of the vehicle was described as an elderly woman who sustained minor injuries, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Arthur Tellez. No other passengers were in the vehicle. The woman remained on the scene.
The crash caused downed powerlines, damaging three other vehicles and causing fires on the northbound and southbound sides of the highway. It caused a significant power outage in the Novato area, knocking out traffic lights in South Novato. According to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. spokesperson Megan McFarland, currently about 6022 customers are without power due to the crash. PG&E crews are currently on scene, working with first responders on the incident.
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“Multiple PG&E crews are on site and have de-energized the lines in order to remove them,” said McFarland in an email.
A PG&E report estimated that the power would be out until 1:15 p.m.
Two lanes have now been opened on Highway 101 northbound and southbound. One lane has been opened on northbound 101 to Highway 37 eastbound.
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This story will be updated.
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