Drivers diverted after downed power lines block Charlotte highway

CHARLOTTE — Power lines fell on Independence Boulevard just outside of Uptown, and drivers had to take a detour through the city’s unused bus lanes. Thousands of Duke Energy customers were left without power Friday afternoon.

It happened just after noon and affected all outbound lanes on East Independence Boulevard, between Charlottetowne Avenue and Briar Creek Road.

The highway was backed up for several hours.

It’s not clear yet what caused the lines to fall, but Charlotte Fire said it was not a crash. A caller said a “utility line flashed and fell into the road.”

Duke Energy said about 1,000 people were without power initially. However, because it was a primary power line, they had to take more people offline to fix it.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom observed police diverting traffic to the middle bus lane to get around the blockage. Other drivers were spotted turning around and driving against traffic along the embankment on the side of Independence Boulevard. One driver nearly hit some pedestrians and then a light pole.

John Powell was on his way to his home in Monroe when he said he got stopped about an eighth of a mile from the front of the line.

“I tried to be patient, but we sat there for about 1 hour 45 minutes,” he said.

He decided to turn around once he noticed traffic pick up in the bus lanes that have been closed for years.

“I was on the closest lane to the beautiful concrete barriers that protect our bus lane, walked to each car on my right and said ‘I’m going attempt to come through if y’all will allow me,’” Powell said.

“CMPD was turning cars around, allowing them to U-turn, even 18-wheelers,” he added. “It was phenomenal.”

Lauren Flemming was at home when she lost power.

“Well it’s blue skies, perfect weather, but our power turned off around noon,” she said.

She and her husband both work from home, but it was tough getting things done with no power or internet.

“We’re taking work calls on our phones, just making do,” she said. “Luckily it’s a Friday, so things are a little slower, but it makes it more difficult.”

Power had returned to most customers by 5 p.m. The road reopened after a few hours.

VIDEO: Downed powerlines, equipment fire causes road closure in north Charlotte

Downed powerlines, equipment fire causes road closure in north Charlotte

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