Big rig collision closes section of I-5

Two big rigs collided on Interstate 5 early Sunday, closing both northbound lanes west of Firebaugh in Merced County for more than four hours, the California Highway Patrol said.

The wreck happened about 6 a.m., five miles north of Nees Avenue.

Traffic was rerouted on an 8½-mile detour from Nees to Pole Line Road and back to the interstate via Highway 165 from 6:30 a.m. until one lane reopened shortly before 11 a.m.