(UPDATE: 1:00 p.m.) - California Highway Patrol responded to reports of multiple crashes along Highway 101 north of the Gaviota rest stop Thursday morning.
The crashes happened at around 5:53 a.m. resulting in minor injuries, but no patients being transported to the hospital.
Highway 101 southbound, south of Highway 1 was closed for approximately two hours. Traffic was diverted to Highway 154 eastbound. CHP says northbound traffic was not impacted.
CHP says at the time of the traffic collisions, heavy mist was present in the area resulting in wet roadways. Officials say as we transition from dry months into wet months this is when roads are most slippery due to oil and dust that have not yet washed away.
CHP says this is a good reminder for the public to properly maintain their vehicle, keeping up with their tires and ensure windshield wipers are properly working.
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Southbound #Hey101 traffic backed up for 2 miles so take #Hwy154 as other route toward Goleta or SB. Get our #QuickMap app for 24/7 road/traffic info. https://t.co/VWedCzsqYD
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) October 22, 2020
Update: According to the California Highway Patrol, a SIG Alert has been issued on Highway 101 southbound near the Gaviota Rest Area as a result of multiple crashes that occurred around 6:00 a.m. in that area. CHP says all lanes of the highway are blocked.
This is a developing story. Stay with KSBY for the latest.
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The California Highway Patrol is reporting multiple crashes on Highway 101 southbound near the Gaviota Rest Area Thursday morning.
According to the incident page, eight collisions have been reported between the southbound entrance of the Gaviota tunnel and the Gaviota Rest Area since just before 6 a.m.
In one incident, CHP is reporting that a vehicle driving on the highway spun out and hit the guardrail on the right-hand shoulder. Another crash that was reported just before 6:15 a.m. involved four cars, according to CHP.
Drivers who are commuting through this area of Highway 101 should anticipate delays.
It's not clear if these crashes have resulted in injuries. This is a developing story, stay with KSBY for updates.
