A solo-vehicle crash on Point Reyes‑Petaluma Road outside Petaluma took out power lines and completely shut down the rural artery yesterday, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities ordered a hard closure between Highway 1 and Platform Bridge Road and told drivers to stay away while crews dealt with the mess.
Officials said the section of road would likely stay closed until about 5 AM. today so workers could safely clear the downed lines and reopen the route. In the meantime, anyone trying to cut between West Marin and Petaluma had to find another way around.
As reported by NBC Bay Area, the CHP said the power lines came down after a single-vehicle collision, triggering the hard closure from Highway 1 to Platform Bridge Road. The agency urged drivers to steer clear of the area while repairs and cleanup continue.
Closure Hits a Key Rural Route
Point Reyes‑Petaluma Road connects Petaluma with Point Reyes Station and serves as a primary two-lane route for visitors heading to Point Reyes National Seashore, the National Park Service notes. When that link is severed, locals, commuters, and weekend hikers all feel it, and detours can tack on serious extra drive time.
Downed Lines Are Dangerous: What To Do
Pacific Gas & Electric urges anyone who comes across fallen wires to treat them as if they are live, keep people and pets far away, and call 9-1-1 first, then PG&E to report the hazard, according to PG&E. If a vehicle ends up touching a downed line, the safest move is usually to stay inside and wait for emergency crews rather than trying to climb out…