I-10 reopens following power pole fire

Interstate 10 was shut down to traffic in both directions Monday morning in Blythe due to a power pole fire.

Caltrans District 8 Media Affairs Chief, Terri Kasinga, said the freeway’s east and westbound lanes were closed Sunday night at approximately 9:00 p.m. All lanes were back open as of 10:30 a.m. Monday.

The electrical pole fire was along the eastbound 10 at Lovekin Boulevard in Blythe near the Arizona state line, an hour’s drive east of the Coachella Valley. Southern California Edison crews removed the burned pole and were working to install a new pole and re-string wires across I-10 at 8:00 a.m.

Caltrans District 8 Tweeted at 8:50 a.m. that eastbound I-10 is closed at Neighbors (MM 149). Westbound I-10 is closed at US-95 (MM 154). The estimated time to clear is 11:00 a.m.

Edison said it suspects the pole ignited into flames during a rain storm which shorted out wiring.

Traffic was backed up in the westbound freeway lanes for at least two miles. Eastbound traffic delays were less significant. Detours were in place on local roads and State Route 95.

Many Interstate 10 motorists were using Hobson Way through Blythe to get past the closure.