A crash on a major highway in the southwest metro early Wednesday afternoon briefly shut down traffic in one direction and was still causing a significant backup as mid-afternoon approached, authorities said.

The incident began about 12:45 p.m. on Hwy. 169 just north of Anderson Lakes Parkway in Eden Prairie, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

A car rear-ended a semitrailer truck, sending the big rig into a light pole, said State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske.

Both northbound lanes were closed until about 1:30 p.m. as emergency crews dealt with the scene. One lane of traffic remained closed until about 2:40 p.m. to allow for the light pole to be repaired, Roeske said.

There are no details available yet about the circumstances of the crash or how badly anyone might be hurt.

Check back for additional developments.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482