The northbound 5 Freeway and some connector roads at the 2 Freeway remain closed Monday morning near Elysian Park as crews continue to assess damage from Saturday's fiery tanker crash in a tunnel at the interchange north of downtown Los Angeles.
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Engineers were inspecting the freeway tunnel ahead of Monday morning's commute. The fiery Saturday morning crash happened in a tunnel on the Glendale (2) Freeway at the Golden State (5) Freeway interchange. The fire was fueled by some 8,500 gallons of gas, firefighters said.
The tunnel was expected to be closed for at least two weeks as Caltrans engineers examine the tunnel’s core to determine the extent of the damage.
A portion of the southbound 5 Freeway at Fletcher Drive reopened early Monday. The southbound 2 Freeway connector to the southbound 5 Freeway and northbound 2 Freeway at Glendale Boulevard also reopened Monday morning.
Closures Monday Morning:
- Northbound 5 Freeway closed at 2 Freeway
- Northbound 5 Freeway to southbound 2 Freeway connector
- Northbound 2 Freeway to northbound 5 Freeway
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes, including exits on Fletcher and Riverside drives. Authorities also recommended people use buses and commuter trains to get through the heavily traveled route which links the suburbs north of LA with downtown.
Metro Gold Line passengers were told to expect increased parking demand because of the road closures.
Some 300,000 motorists travel that stretch of 5 Freeway every day, officials said.
The closures meant alternate routes for many fans who attended two weekend games at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers' next game at the stadium is scheduled for July 25 after the All-Star Game break and two series on the road.
The tanker truck driver, identified as 52-year-old Jose Castanon of Bellflower, told authorities that he blew a tire before crashing and managed to get out of his truck, which exploded into flames, with only minor injuries.
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