Shasta County Traffic Alert: Big Rig Crash and $4M Bridge Project Disrupt I-5 and Highway 89

• A big rig crash has closed southbound Interstate 5 in northern Shasta County, causing major traffic disruptions.
• Caltrans begins a $4 million bridge maintenance project on I-5 and Highway 89 on June 28, 2026, affecting 11 bridges.
• Construction will cause lane, shoulder, and ramp closures through mid-August, with delays up to 6 minutes on Highway 89.
• Drivers should plan alternate routes and expect overnight and daytime closures at specific locations.

Introduction

Shasta County drivers are facing significant traffic disruptions as a big rig crash closes southbound Interstate 5 in the northern part of the county, while a major Caltrans bridge maintenance project begins on June 28. The crash, reported on July 3, 2026, has shut down the freeway, and the $4 million construction project will cause delays on I-5 and Highway 89 through mid-August.

Big Rig Crash Shuts Down Southbound I-5

A big rig crash has closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in northern Shasta County, according to Action News Now. The incident was reported by anchor Kelli Saam on July 3, 2026. No details on injuries or the cause of the crash have been released, but drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Caltrans Bridge Maintenance Project Starts June 28

Caltrans is resuming a bridge maintenance project on Sunday, June 28, 2026, that will impact travel on Interstate 5 and Highway 89 in Shasta County. The $4 million project involves polyester concrete overlays, joint seals, and abutment work on 11 bridges to extend their lifespan and facilitate goods movement.

Construction Locations and Closures

Motorists can expect closures at the following locations:

• Antlers Undercrossings (northbound and southbound) – I-5, Lakehead
• Lakehead Undercrossings (northbound and southbound) – I-5, Lakehead
• Slate Creek Bridge – I-5 between Lakehead and Pollard Flat
• Sacramento River BOH – I-5 near Gibson
• Creekside Road Undercrossing – I-5, about 3.5 miles south of Castella
• Soda Creek Road Undercrossing – I-5 between Castella and Dunsmuir
• Hat Creek Bridge (06-0085) – Highway 89, about 4 miles north of Old Station
• Hat Creek Bridge (06-0087) – Highway 89, about 1 mile south of Cassel Road
• Cayton Creek Bridge – Highway 89, about 3.5 miles north of Burney Falls State Park

Timing of Delays

Different locations have varying traffic impacts:

• Slate Creek Bridge, Sacramento River BOH, and Soda Creek Road Undercrossing: Lane, shoulder, and ramp closures Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Antlers, Lakehead, and Creekside Road Undercrossings: Nighttime closures Sunday nights through Friday mornings, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Hat Creek and Cayton Creek Bridges on SR 89: One-way traffic control with delays up to 6 minutes, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Caltrans urges drivers to obey temporary speed limits and drive carefully in construction zones. The project is expected to wrap up by mid-August, but schedules may change due to weather or other factors.

Local California Context

Shasta County is a key corridor for freight and travel between Northern California and Oregon. The I-5 and Highway 89 routes are vital for local commerce and tourism, especially to destinations like Burney Falls State Park. The combination of a crash and construction will likely cause significant delays for residents and travelers.

Conclusion

Drivers in Shasta County should prepare for major delays on I-5 and Highway 89 due to a big rig crash and ongoing bridge work. Plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on closures. For real-time traffic information, check Caltrans or local news sources.

Sources and Materials

• actionnewsnow
• redding