U.S. 101 Northbound Closed at Refugio

Since 6:51 a.m. Thursday, all northbound lanes of Highway 101 are closed, reports the California Highway Patrol. A Fed Ex semi-truck — driven by 32-year-old Santa Maria resident Ruben Serna — rolled onto its side just south of Mariposa Reina, blocking all lanes.

“For an unknown reason, Mr. Serna allowed his semi-truck to drift toward the center median, and the left front struck a berm off of the freeway,” said Highway Patrol spokesperson Jonathan Gutierrez. Serna suffered minor injuries to his shoulder and nose. Gutierrez also said it appears alcohol or drugs weren’t a factor.

Caltrans split the southbound lanes of Highway 101 with cones to create one northbound lane around the blockage at Refugio Road. As of 10:19 a.m., traffic is still being diverted this way. The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.