Hwy. 199 reopens after slide

Traffic is rolling on crucial route

Del Norte County’s main connection between U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 5 is now open after a rock slide caused by winter weather shut it down for a day and a half.

The rock slide occurred around 3:30 a.m. Monday on U.S. Highway 199 near Patrick Creek, causing traffic to be shut down in both directions and forcing motorists to take alternate routes that added hours to their driving time.

Crews from Caltrans began working on clearing debris from Highway 199 hours later, but due to the nature of the slide were unable to work during the evening. The roadway was reopened about 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Caltrans Public Information Officer Julie East said the slide dumped around 2,000 cubic yards of debris onto Highway 199, which is about the equivalent of 200 dump-truck loads.

“It is clear now,” East said. “But I would like to remind everybody that we’re still experiencing winter weather so be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time (for travel) and check our Caltrans Highway Information Network.”

For the most up-to-date road information on state highways, call 1-800-427-7623 (1-800-GAS-ROAD) or visit www.dot.ca.gov .