UPDATE: Lanes re-open on Hwy 101 after asphalt spill

UPDATE 12:54p.m.: CHP is about to open all lanes of northbound Highway 101 after CALTRANS crews cleaned up a trailer full of asphalt.

11:35a.m.: CHP officers say a big rig carrying two trailers full of asphalt overturned Friday morning blocking lanes for hours just north of Salinas.

The accident happened on Highway 101 northbound, just south of Blackie Road.

Officers say the driver of the big rig failed to notice slowing traffic ahead and stopped the rig too quickly, causing the rear trailer to overturn and spill asphalt across the highway.

There don’t appear to be any other cars involved in the accident.

The trailers are currently blocking both lanes of Highway 101 northbound, traffic is being diverted to the shoulder.

Traffic is backed up for miles but officers say they don’t expect CALTRANS crews to have everything cleaned up and reopened until after 1:00pm.