Two right lanes on Interstate 580 eastbound near North Flynn Road outside Livermore have been closed due to a major crack in the lanes, creating serious impacts for many commuters in the Tri-Valley.

In addition to the damage in the freeway lanes, the guardrail and part of the shoulder adjacent to the cracks collapsed and went down the embankment.

According to a Caltrans press release on Monday, the agency is currently working on repairing the crack roads and collapsed embankment that gave way due to erosion from the recent storms and heavy rain.

Signage is in place to notify the public and motorists are being advised to use alternate routes.

Caltrans spokesperson Janis Mara told the Weekly that the agency had been working since Monday on re-striping the road so that they can get one of the two lanes restored for the public. She said that the agency hoped it can get that done by Wednesday (March 22) but that it all will depend on getting a break from the rain.

As of now, she said the agency does not have any updated timeline on how long the lanes will be closed.

"Our geotechnical and structure departments are working to find the solution. One possibility is to drive piles — metal sheets — into the ground to fill the gap where the wall failed," Mara said. "Needless to say, as soon as we have a better idea how soon we can restore both lanes, we will get the word out right away." n