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I-5 southbound in Ashland near California border reopens

California transportation officials reopened the interstate Thursday afternoon after it was closed Wednesday due to severe winter weather.

Credit: AP

In this drone photo provided by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, MMSA, snow continues falling in Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., early Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Another storm is pushing into California as the state cleans up from a powerful weather system that coated mountains with much-needed snow and set rainfall records in the drought-stricken state. Wednesday's storm is expected to mostly impact Northern California. (Sammy Deleo/MMSA via AP)

ASHLAND, Ore. — The southbound lanes of Interstate 5 at Ashland are back open following a closure Wednesday due to heavy snow, blizzard conditions and stuck vehicles.

According to a news release Thursday from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the California Department of Transportation said it expected to reopen the interstate into California in the late morning. ODOT said asked drivers traveling to California to avoid the south Ashland Exit 14 area due to major congestion.

California officials Wednesday afternoon closed I-5 north of the city of Redding as the latest of back-to-back storms slammed the region. The Oregon Department of Transportation tweeted Wednesday evening that it closed southbound I-5 lanes starting at the city of Ashland.

Another view of #I5 near the CA border. If you're planning to travel to CA today, please stay calm and avoid #Ashland Exit 14. Due to conditions, we're still predicting a stressful winter trip ONCE I-5 reopens. Preparation and patience are going to be key today. #orwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/Rxpsmc1APm
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) December 16, 2021

A California Department of Transportation spokesperson said Thursday that crews are assessing the roadway, removing hazardous trees and restoring power lines.

Drivers can get the latest updates and monitor Oregon road conditions at TripCheck.com.

At @CaltransD2's request, we're closing SB #I5 at #Ashland, Exit 14, due to #blizzard conditions, heavy snow & multiple disabled vehicles. Earlier, they closed I-5 SB at #WeedCA due to poor conditions & disabled vehicles south to #Redding. No ETA for reopening. #orwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/5jFP1SN2cM
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) December 16, 2021