A person threatening to jump from the Del Mar Heights overpass led to the closure of both directions of Interstate 5 on Friday. The situation unfolded around 11:40 a.m., prompting a response from law enforcement.
Incident Summary
According to California Highway Patrol logs, the individual was seen moving dangerously close to the edge of the overpass. This prompted immediate action, which included shutting down northbound lanes by 12:30 p.m.
Traffic Disruptions
- Time of Incident: First reported at 11:40 a.m.
- Closure Details: Both north and southbound lanes were affected.
- SigAlert: Issued early afternoon to alert traffic.
By 4:30 p.m., both directions remained closed as the situation continued. Crisis negotiators were deployed to manage the standoff. The San Diego Police Department advised commuters, indicating that significant traffic delays were likely.
Commuter Impact
Many drivers reported getting only a few miles in three hours. With the traffic jam expanding, significant backups also affected surface streets and other major freeways.
- Reported Issues: Stuck traffic and inability to exit onto alternate routes.
- Expansion of Traffic Jam: Delays spread to nearby Interstate 15 and southbound I-5 as far back as Solana Beach.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers linked to mental health crises and their impact on public safety and traffic management.
