ASHLAND - Interstate 5 reopened at 5 p.m., following a nearly five-hour closure.

Chain requirements are in place on the Siskiyou Pass.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will initially meter southbound traffic to facilitate traffic flow. ODOT advises motorists to drive with caution and allow additional time to reach your destination.

"We've got a huge queue of traffic that's waiting to get over the mountain," said Shawn Stephens, ODOT Assistant District Manager. "This backup won't clear right away, so drivers need to prepare accordingly."

Stephens encourages local motorists to use alternate routes to avoid congestion and delays.

The closure began at 12:30 p.m. Southbound traffic was held at Ashland (MP 11) with commercial truck traffic directed to additional parking at the Jackson County Expo facility at exit 33. Northbound traffic was held at Yreka, California.

Road condition updates are available at www.Tripcheck.com or by calling 511.

Road and weather information can be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368).

Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. California road conditions are online at the Caltrans Web site, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo or by calling 511 within California or (800) 427-7623 outside the state.