A mental health emergency involving a pedestrian on a Sacramento freeway overpass shut down Interstate 5 in both directions late Thursday, creating an open-ended disruption for drivers moving through the city.
First responders worked at the R Street pedestrian overpass while officials closed southbound I-5 at Richards Boulevard and northbound I-5 at U.S. Highway 50. The closure remained in place as the response continued into the night.
According to FOX40 News, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson described the incident as a mental health emergency and said there was no estimated reopening time. The situation was still ongoing at about 11 p.m. Thursday.
Officials Had Not Set A Reopening Time
The closure affected both directions of I-5 near central Sacramento, with the shutdown points stretching from the Richards Boulevard area to the U.S. 50 interchange. Drivers heading through the area should check current traffic conditions before setting out, since the late-night report did not provide a timeline for reopening.
For people experiencing a mental health crisis in Sacramento County, the county's Community Wellness Response Team says callers can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The service is available around the clock, with Sacramento's system able to connect some callers to a voluntary mobile response team.
