San Rafael, CA - On 01/23/2023, at 1:15 PM, SRPD received 9-1-1 calls about a vehicle that collided with a PG&E utility pole in the area of 2175 Francisco Boulevard.

SRPD Officers and San Rafael Fire arrived to find that a work truck had collided with a PG&E utility pole, knocking live wires down onto the surrounding roadway, fences, and the vehicle involved in the collision. 

The driver, who sustained minor injuries, was required to stay in the vehicle until PG&E arrived on the scene to de-energize the power lines.  The unique set of circumstances required SRPD and SRFD to close Francisco Boulevard East between the westbound Interstate 580 on-ramp and the driveway to 2175 Francisco Boulevard East.  No vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle traffic was allowed during the closure.

Several minutes later, PG&E arrived on the scene and de-energized their damaged equipment.  The driver was rescued from the vehicle and taken to a local area hospital with minor injuries.

The collision caused extensive damage to PG&E's power pole electrical equipment.  The sheared pole was removed once repair crews arrived later in the evening.  PG&E stated that repairs would be completed in the early morning hours of the following day.  

Francisco Boulevard East remained closed into the night between the intersection with the westbound Interstate 580 on-ramp and Grange Way.  The closure caused heavy congestion along Francisco Boulevard East between Irene Street and the closure at Grange Way.   

On 01/24/2023, at 3:00 AM, PG&E had completed repairs and Francisco Boulevard East was re-opened.

SRPD notified the community via NIXLE and a press release about the long-term closure.  To sign-up and receive NIXLE notifications: Text your zip code to 888777.