Trucking News · California · November 2, 2026

Jackknifed Semi Closes Eastbound I-80 Near Farad, California, for About Two and a Half Hours in Heavy Rain, Truckers Told to Use Caution

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Heavy rain and a jackknifed semi combined to close a key stretch of Interstate 80 in the Sierra for about two and a half hours on Saturday, Oct. 31. The closure was near Farad, California, on eastbound I-80, according to a report by ATruckDrivers citing Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The timeline

According to Caltrans, the closure was put in place shortly before 2:15 p.m., and lanes reopened around 4:45 p.m. Traffic was turned around at Hirschdale until the road reopened that afternoon. Caltrans described the incident as a solo-vehicle crash. CHP Truckee said the truck was blocking the road in the Farad area while emergency crews worked to clear it.

Weather

Heavy rain continued in the area, and roads remained wet and slick. Motorists were told to avoid the corridor, expect significant delays and use alternate routes. No estimated reopening time was given while the road was closed, and drivers were asked to use caution.

What the report does not say

The report says it was unclear whether anyone was injured. It does not give the driver's name, the carrier or what the truck was hauling, and it does not say what caused the truck to jackknife. Big Rig Daily is not speculating on the cause.

For truckers headed over the pass

Wet mountain roads are a routine challenge for professional drivers. Big Rig Daily's guide to truck chain laws by state covers when chains are required, and a report on Washington's must-carry chain rule for trucks covers another western state. The pre-trip inspection checklist is a place to start before any mountain run. These pieces are general background, not findings about this crash.

Quick facts

• When: closure from shortly before 2:15 p.m. to about 4:45 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
• Where: eastbound I-80 near Farad, California; traffic turned around at Hirschdale.
• What: a jackknifed semi, described by Caltrans as a solo-vehicle crash.
• Weather: heavy rain, wet and slick roads.
• Injuries: unclear, per the report.

FAQ

How long was I-80 closed?

About two and a half hours, from shortly before 2:15 p.m. to around 4:45 p.m.

Where was I-80 traffic turned around near Farad?

At Hirschdale, according to Caltrans.

Was anyone hurt in the I-80 jackknife near Farad?

The report says it is unclear whether anyone was injured.

A question for readers

Truck drivers, what do you change about the way you drive when heavy rain hits a mountain grade?

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