101 Is Open! Traffic Is Moving Through the Slide Area
He warns that the road is only one way controlled traffic so expect delays. In addition, the contractors will still continue to work on the slide. “We’re still going to be out there for a few months,” he said.
Caltrans District 1 announced the open Hwy on 101 and asked travelers to “[p]lease follow flagger instructions. Spotters will be watching the hillside 24/7 for rockfall and will alert the flaggers to briefly stop traffic as needed.”
A Caltrans Facebook post from earlier today describes some of the extraordinary methods for clearing the slide that the contractor has used. It says,
[A] spider excavator was airlifted to a point above the slope escarpment this afternoon and will work to remove sediment and other debris from the top of the slide. Spider excavators are used to tackle jobs on remarkably difficult terrain, and the subcontractor we’re working with specializes in this kind of work.
This equipment which is lifted by helicopter will continue to work in the area for some time.
Be prepared for some delays. But, hallelujah, 101 is open now!
Reader Alysha Valier sent us this video of the helicopter that has been lifting the spider excavator and speeding up the opening of the road.
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Awesome
Great work cal-trans
Caltrans didn’t do it. Sub contractor did it. Caltrans would still be there.
Yay thank you to everyone that has made this happen
Never heard of a spider excavator before. They look really cool. I want one. Caltrans rocks!
Ya they can dig anywhere just about vertical up hill .
Yippee!!!! These guys rock (Pun intended. As a lot of people here can hardly spell the word “at,” maybe you should look up the word “pun.”). (Helpful hint: There is a lot of punctuation going on there. Live and learn.) Thanks CalTrans and their contractors. And thanks Jerry Brown for making the California government work.
Thanks Jerry Brown, what a f’n joke!
I have to say that the video is stupid. A minute and a half I will never get back. Here is a better video… https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V4QxzeyFihA
Your video is also stupid. In fact, it’s not even a proper video – just a collection of stills. Try:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idSDt0PMoJU
Ack! Folks, it isn’t necessary to harsh on others. How about…”Thank you for the video. Here’s one that I like.”
no they cant. makes them feel than others.
Amen, Kim. Hope you are well.
THIS IS THE VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE SPIDER EXCAVATOR AT WORK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idSDt0PMoJU
I LIKE IT THE BEST.
GLAD TO KNOW THAT A HELICOPTER CAN AND IS PLANTING ON THE TOP TO GET SOME OF THE WEIGHT OFF THE SLIDE.
Great youtube video. I WANT ONE !!!! How much fun would that be. If only I was younger to learn that for a job…..
I want one!
Holy Bleep! THAT is so amazing, I want one also! Actually very cool technology…perhaps that is the only reason the debris removal was so quick.
Check the last word of the second paragraph and thanks for all you do.
Fixed. Thank you!
Has anyone gone through the slide yet ? How long did you have to wait?
Wow that was some great work!
Web site and phone conditions recording both indicate 101 closed at this site as of 7:00 am this morning. Does that mean the road was closed again overnight? Leaving Eureka in about 20 minutes and will need to change my plans if this is so.
QuickMap maintained by Caltrans shows the road is open. Caltrans public info officer told me road was open last night, and their Facebook page still indicates the road is open. https://www.facebook.com/CaltransD1/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf Locals have told me traffic is flowing.
Always a big Thank you for such great road coverage! I travel quite a bit during horse show season the last 14yrs, also during winter months for family when possible, my two routes are hwy 36,to Auburn/Lincoln area, I live in Carlotta, if 36 is bad, 101 down to hwy 20. Thanx for continuing your site while trying to come to terms with your diagnosis and extreme pain. From a chronic pain from lifetime of arthritis, hoping technology has come up with something to help YOU. Have a nice day Kym.
I haven’t had a pain pill in over a week. Still some low pain but nothing like before! Wahoo!
The Redwood trees and us have enjoyed the quiet of no Big Trucks coming thru Richardson grove on 101..why can’t they all travel on I-5 and leave our road to locals and tourists.
I agree. It’s been so quiet down in cooks valley. Really nice. Now just big rigs with flapping pallets of soil for all the “farmers” laughable
Ha
Couldn’t agree more, Neighbor!