A vehicle collision that damaged a utility pole caused the closure of Highway 59 at East Gerard Avenue in Merced on Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP Merced said officers were on scene after a vehicle struck a utility pole, bringing down power lines across the roadway.

The crash prompted a full closure of Highway 59 while Pacific Gas and Electric Company crews work to replace the damaged pole and restore the area. Repairs are expected to take about eight hours.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes as crews work to safely reopen the roadway. Officials warned motorists to expect significant delays and to slow down while traveling near emergency personnel.

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