Caltrans Estimates Slide Closing Hwy 96 West of Happy Camp Will Be Cleared Thursday Morning

Press release from Caltrans District 2:

Caltrans and Roger Brown Construction began cleaning the roadway on State Route 96 today, where a slide has been active and prompted a road closure. The road was closed on January 17, 2020, for the safety of the traveling public and highway workers. Local residents and key stakeholders were advised of the closure. The slide is located approximately 4 miles west of Happy Camp in Siskiyou County.

“The road was closed to all modes of transportation as the slide was becoming more active,” said Don Anderson, Caltrans Deputy Director for Maintenance and Operations in District 2. “A geological investigation was immediately initiated. The road won’t be reopened until it is deemed safe.”

Caltrans and the Klamath National Forest Service are in communication as the area is in the Klamath National Forest. Caltrans and Roger Brown Construction have personnel monitoring slide activity as well as managing both sides of the closure and communicating with the public. There is no local detour recommended by Caltrans.

Weather conditions are favorable for construction activities to continue. On Wednesday, February 5^th Caltrans ordered Roger Brown Construction to begin clearing the roadway for a potential reopening.

“We have asked Roger Brown Construction to clear the roadway affected by ongoing slide activity,” said John Hinton, Caltrans Construction Area Engineer for Siskiyou County. “This includes parts of the highway currently under mud and debris.”

“Roadway clean-up continues and we are anticipating reopening SR96 late Thursday morning (February 6^th), depending on clean-up efforts.”  Anderson said.

Please note the road can be closed or reopened at any time and without prior notice, as the construction teams working on the slide deem it safe. Caltrans and Roger Brown Construction thank the public for their patience and reaffirm our commitment to communicate with all parties involved.