Chapel Hill crash ties up East Franklin Street, knocks out power to hundreds

A crash early Monday morning that knocked out power to some residents continues to delay traffic outside downtown Chapel Hill.

The Chapel Hill Police Department began diverting traffic from East Franklin Street and Roosevelt Drive after a crash knocked over an electrical pole and lines, shutting down all east and west bound lanes, according to a 5:20 a.m. news release.

A westbound lane has since been reopened and used to allow a single lane of traffic in either direction, Sgt. Mark Geercken said.

Roosevelt Drive is between downtown and University Place. Geercken suggested residents avoid the area. Repairs were continuing as of 10:45 a.m.

No one was seriously injured in the crash and speed may have been a factor, he said.

Duke Energy reported 288 customers were without power as of 10:45 a.m.

This story was originally published July 12, 2021 at 8:05 AM.