Debris Falling from Overpass Sinkhole Shuts Down SB 5 Freeway in Glendale

On the evening of March 18, 2023, a sinkhole on the Western Avenue overpass in Glendale caused chunks of concrete to fall onto the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway, leading to the closure of both the overpass and several freeway lanes. 

The California Highway Patrol received reports of falling concrete at 5:34 p.m. Glendale police officers responded quickly and observed concrete actively falling from a hole measuring one-foot-by-one-foot in the middle of the overpass. The hole appeared to grow to two-feet-by-two-feet by 6:10 p.m.

To ensure public safety, the CHP issued a SigAlert at 6:08 p.m., shutting down all southbound lanes and diverting traffic onto Western Avenue. Glendale police also closed down eastbound and westbound lanes of Western Avenue between Flower and Lake streets.

Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or vehicle damage caused by the falling debris at this time.