San Jose, California – Early Thursday morning, authorities closed down Interstate 280 in both directions near the Meridian Avenue overpass, responding to a potential mental health crisis, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Crisis Averted, Lanes Reopen

Law enforcement officials successfully intervened, apprehending the individual in distress. Following the resolution, all lanes of I-280 were reopened to traffic.

Traffic Rerouted for Safety

During the incident, motorists were redirected to Bascom Avenue and State Route 17 (SR-17) as authorities worked to manage the situation safely.

The CHP San Jose Twitter account posted updates, informing the public of the closure and diversion of traffic:

I-280 is being shut down in both directions due to a potential jumper on the Meridian Ave overcross. NB traffic will be diverted to Bascom and SB traffic to SR-17. Officers are currently on scene and working to safely resolve the issue.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in addressing mental health crises, particularly in public spaces.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Public Safety

Efforts to address mental health issues on public roadways remain a critical concern for law enforcement and mental health professionals alike. As incidents like these underscore, timely intervention and support services are essential to ensuring the safety of individuals in crisis and the broader community.

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