Overturned Foster Farms big rig slows traffic along Highway 99 near Atwater
A crash involving an overturned big rig has caused southbound traffic to slow Wednesday along Highway 99 in Merced County, according to authorities.
At about 10:04 a.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to an overturned Foster Farms big rig in the area of Southbound Highway 99 just north of Franklin Road, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.
Zuniga said the big rig was hauling about 21,000 pounds of cargo when it overturned, partially blocking the right lane. The driver was not injured and the cause of the crash is unknown. The number two lane of southbound Highway 99 has been closed as authorities work to clear the roadway.
According to the CHP, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation. Zuniga said it is unknown when the lane will reopen and motorists are advised to pay attention to signs displaying traffic information, slow down and avoid the area if possible.
