The 710 Freeway was shut down in both directions in East Los Angeles Saturday due to downed power lines, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Southbound traffic on the 710 Freeway was being diverted to the 60 Freeway. Northbound traffic on the 710 Freeway was being diverted to the 5 Freeway. The northbound 710 Freeway approaching the 5 Freeway was experiencing severe backups, as was the southbound traffic on the 710 Freeway approaching the 60 Freeway.

The CHP issued a SigAlert was issued at 5:30 p.m.

The CHP said witnesses reported construction equipment was tangled in the wires and that the construction equipment had caused poles to fall, according to City News Service.

Newschopper4 Bravo was over the freeway at approximately 7 p.m. and witnessed a line of vehicles trapped on the on ramp. Vehicles could be seen attempting to turn around and go the wrong way on the on ramp.

There was no immediate estimate of when the freeway would be open in either direction.