Update: Solo Crash Impacting Traffic In Big Oak Flat/Groveland Area

CHP MML File Photo

Update at 5:15 p.m.: An emergency overnight closure has been issued for Old Priest Grade after a solo vehicle rollover collision in the Big Oak Flat/Groveland area of Tuolumne County that will require cleanup. The collision happened just after 1 p.m. at the bottom of the grade near the Highway 120 New Priest Grade and Moccasin Switchback Road intersection. The CHP reports that a truck hauling “junk” overturned onto its right side, spilling the load, which included nails, and blocking the roadway.

As nightfall approached, county public works officials decided to close the roadway overnight and have crews work to clean up the mess on Friday. No exact time for when the roadway will reopen was given, but they do say it will be sometime tomorrow. Further details on the crash can be viewed below.

Update at 3:30 p.m.: The CHP is reporting that it was a truck carrying junk that overturned onto its side on Old Priest Grade, forcing its gates to be closed at the top and bottom. They add that much of the load from the truck spilled onto the roadway, which included nails. The truck is leaking engine oil and vehicle fluids onto the road as well. The collision happened just after 1 p.m. at the bottom of the grade and Highway 120 New Priest Grade and Moccasin Switchback Road intersection in the Big Oak Flat/Groveland area of Tuolumne County. The driver took off on foot but has been detained. There is no estimated time as to when the roadway will reopen. The CHP is reporting minor injuries in this crash.

Update at 2:40 p.m.: First responders remain on the scene of a solo vehicle rollover crash that has shut down Old Priest Grade. A tow crew is working to remove the wreckage that is blocking the roadway.  The CHP is reporting minor injuries in this crash. Further details regarding the collision can be viewed below.

Original post at 1:38 p.m.: Tuolumne County, CA — A traffic alert has been issued as the top and bottom of Old Priest Grade have been closed after a solo vehicle crash.

The CHP reports the collision happened just after 1 p.m. at the bottom of the grade and Highway 120 New Priest Grade and Moccasin Switchback Road intersection in the Big Oak Flat/Groveland area of Tuolumne County. A vehicle overturned, and the wreckage is blocking the roadway, with officers directing traffic.

There are reports that the driver took off on foot but has been detained. There is no word regarding injuries or when Old Priest Grade will reopen. An update will be provided as soon as new information comes into the newsroom.