Major mudslide closes I-80 east of Truckee

TRUCKEE, Calif. — A major mudslide triggered by severe thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon has closed Interstate 80 about 1.5 miles west of the California-Nevada border, according to Caltrans.

Caltrans crews were en route to the “football field-sized mudslide covering … westbound and eastbound lanes with 3 to 8 inches of mud and debris,” as of about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to a press release.

Eastbound traffic is being directed off the interstate at Hirschdale Road in Truckee. Westbound traffic is being turned around at the state line.

Motorists should use alternate routes, according to Caltrans. Eastbound big rigs are being routed on Highway 89 through Loyalton to Highway 395 in Nevada. Westbound big rigs are being routed to Highway 395 through Loyalton to Highway 89 to Truckee.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that one lane of eastbound traffic was open shortly after 8 p.m. Caltrans was hoping to get the full section open later Tuesday night.