Possible Grapevine closure could impact Central Coast traffic this week

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. -- Interstate 5 could close at the Grapevine on Thursday. Just a few weeks ago, a similar shutdown snarled traffic on Highway 101 on the Central and South Coast.

Forecasters are predicting snow levels to drop to the 3500 ft. level on Thursday night, which will likely impact I-5 at the Grapevine.

“I think you can still expect some congestion," said Caltrans District 5 spokesman, Jim Shivers. "There's a three-day weekend coming up and a national holiday.”

Drivers might remember a traffic nightmare over the Christmas holiday after the last time the Grapevine was closed.

“Everybody has to find alternate routes north and south, up and down the state," said Mike Poelking of the California Highway Patrol division in San Luis Obispo.

Caltrans advises drivers should plan ahead.

“You might wanna rearrange any travel, or appointments because you can expect more traffic," said Shivers.

And with rain in the forecast Thursday, CHP is also reminding people to be safe.

“Slow down, have your headlights on, turn your windshield wipers on anytime your headlights are on during the day," said Poelking.

CHP will be on the lookout for distracted drivers, while Caltrans is ready to respond to incidents.

“Our maintenance crews are on call 24/7 if there is anything that should develop in the way of highway damage, or slide activity, or flooding," said Shivers.