Crash shuts down portion of U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. A serious crash has shut down the southbound lanes of U.S. 41 near Guard Street, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said.

The road is expected to be closed for the next three hours. Motorists are asked to seek an alternative route.

Deputies are diverting traffic down Guard Street to Bayshore Road while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates the crash.

No further information is immediately available.