HOUSTON -- The northbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway were snarled for more than five hours on Friday night after a three-vehicle accident that involved a big rig. The accident occurred just north of FM 518 and had all of the main lanes blocked.

The accident also slowed down southbound traffic.

There were no details of what caused the accident or if there were any injuries.

The crash happened just as work crews were preparing for an overnight shutdown of I-45 North between Beltway 8 to Loop 610 for a paving project. It was unclear if the prep work for that project was a factor in Friday night's accident.

That road project will continue in the overnight hours today and Sunday 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.