Semi-Truck Overturned on I-5 Near Bridge Bay in Shasta County, Shutting Down Northbound Traffic for Hours

Semi-Truck Overturned on I-5 Near Bridge Bay in Shasta County, Shutting Down Northbound Traffic for Hours

A semi-truck overturned on I-5 near Bridge Bay in Shasta County, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, brought northbound traffic on Interstate 5 to a standstill after the semi-truck overturned and spilled its load of over 50 industrial pipes across the roadway. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 2:44 a.m. just north of the Bridge Bay exit, blocking all northbound lanes for more than eight hours.

The truck was carrying pipes approximately 20 feet long and 8 inches in diameter, many of which were still attached to pallets when scattered across multiple lanes. Cleanup efforts by emergency crews, including tow trucks, front loaders, and Caltrans, continued until 10:30 a.m., when all lanes were officially reopened.

Massive Cleanup and Traffic Chaos Follow Early Morning Spill

The sheer size and weight of the spilled cargo created a major logistical challenge. Northbound I-5 was closed at Fawndale Road, with traffic forced to turn around. Southbound lanes remained unaffected, but delays for northbound travelers were significant. Emergency crews were forced to navigate through stopped traffic, and Caltrans deployed signage to alert drivers.

To manage the backup, officials utilized “round robin” traffic control, temporarily letting vehicles through in stages between Mountain Gate and Bridge Bay as the scene was cleared. While there were no reported injuries, the crash prompted a large-scale response and remains under investigation by authorities.

Truck Safety Tips: Sharing the Road with Big Rigs

Collisions involving large trucks are often more severe due to their size and weight. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, here are a few safety tips when driving near semi-trucks:

• Avoid blind spots, especially on the sides and rear of the truck.
• Never cut in front of a truck, they require a much longer stopping distance.
• Use extra caution in poor visibility or weather conditions.
• Keep a safe following distance to avoid debris or sudden stops.
• Always pass on the left, where truck drivers have better visibility.

Staying aware and practicing defensive driving can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone arrives safely, especially when sharing the road with commercial vehicles.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

Why Legal Support Matters After a Commercial Vehicle Crash

Even when injuries are not immediately apparent, accidents involving large commercial trucks can have serious legal and financial consequences. Victims may face property damage, emotional distress, lost time from work, or long-term injuries that manifest later. An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate liability, preserve critical evidence such as driver logs or cargo manifests, and negotiate with insurance companies or corporate legal teams.

At the Law Offices of Ed Smith, we are committed to protecting your rights after a serious collision. With decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including truck and commercial vehicle crashes, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Our Commitment to Motor Vehicle Crash Victims Across California

As recognized members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top 1 Percent of attorneys in the U.S., our firm has earned a national reputation for securing high-value results for our clients. From our Sacramento office, we serve individuals and families throughout California who have been impacted by serious accidents.

We combine compassionate, one-on-one support with aggressive legal representation to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are prioritized. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to learn more. You can also read verified client reviews on Google, Avvo, and Yelp to see our track record firsthand.