UPDATE: I-5 over the Grapevine now open from both directions

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Tuesday, February 19, 2019
I-5 over the Grapevine now open from both directions
I-5 over the Grapevine now open from both directions

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- UPDATE - Interstate-5 over the Grapevine is now open from both sides, authorities said.

The southbound lanes opened early on Monday morning. However, the northbound lanes opened at about 11 a.m., after crews worked through the morning to clear ice from the road.

The road was closed overnight in both directions due to heavy snow causing several traffic collisions.

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Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is closed due to heavy snow and several traffic collisions, Caltrans reports.

Earlier in the afternoon, the California Highway Patrol was running traffic breaks to keep drivers going about 25 mph over the Tejon Pass. Officials said at that time they could keep the road open if they could reduce the number of accidents.

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"We're trying to get the message out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for people to slow down," said CHP Officer Rich Anthes. "That's the most important thing. We can have it open for a long time if people are going slowly and they're careful."

But by later in the afternoon, it appeared a number of collisions led to officials shutting down the freeway.

Caltrans says they do not have an estimated time for reopening.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the area through about 3 a.m. Monday, with snow accumulations of up to four inches possible on the Grapevine, along with gusts up to 35 mph.

This is a developing story. Stay with Action News for updates.