How do you get cars off a freeway that are stuck there due to a major accident?

Question

Yesterday, not far from my home, one direction of a 10 lane major freeway was closed due to a horrific accident. In California that's called a SigAlert. As I listened to the radio while working, I realized the freeway had been closed for 8-10 hours. They can't expect anyone to just sit there all that time! At the least, you gotta hit the head!

So how does the Hwy Patrol get everybody off the freeway, and back to their business? You couldn't go forward, and the other nearest exit was about 21/2 miles BEHIND the accident.I'm particularly interested in the cars at the very front, almost touching the accident.

I was really hoping someone from a hwy patrol org would have answered.

Answer 1

What they do is after they collect evidence/data, they clear off one lane. Then, the cars are able to pass through.

Answer 2

I have been stuck in this type predicament a few times. The part that made it so bad was I was in an18 wheeler. That was also the good part, because I was getting paid by the hour. CHP cleared a very large area for me a couple times, that gave me the room needed to turn around and use the ONramp to get off. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it can be a nightmare.

Answer 3

The will usually TRY to get one lane open as soon as possible. If that can't be done, they have the authority to close part of the highway and reverse traffic to clear the road. I some cases that is not practical. You may just have to wait.

Answer 4

Get off, at least here you are just stuck, if you can drive accross the middle to the other side you do that, if the police can open one lane or get you around on the side they do that, if not, you just sit and sit and sit till they clear it.

I was stuck for at least 4 hours before.

Answer 5

WAit wait wait....abandon your vechile they will tow it.....bring your visa to collect.