11/15/2016
ROUTE 299 UPDATE 11/17: It is expected that Route 299 will remain closed throughout the weekend, and that one-way traffic control may be possible sometime next week.
A large boulder precariously located in the slide area will have to be removed by heavy equipment. Material is being removed from the area above the slope failure and crews will work down the hillside from there.
If intermittent openings are possible, our partners in District 2 will work to get folks through as they can.
State Route 36 is the closest and most direct state highway detour around the closure.
-------------------------------------
UPDATE 11/16: Route 299 at Big French Creek in Trinity County will remain closed through Wednesday night, with personnel re-evaluating the slide on Thursday morning.
This photo shows the slide as of this afternoon, as well as the material our geologists are concerned about lingering above the roadway. If the slide were to move while traffic was directly under it, there would be very little time for motorists to react and get to safety.
-------------------------------------
UPDATE 11/16: Route 299 is expected to remain closed throughout the day Wednesday. Another overnight closure is possible, but we'll know more this afternoon.
-------------------------------------
THIRD UPDATE, 1:30 p.m.: After a brief opening to one-way controlled traffic earlier today, Route 299 is again FULLY CLOSED due to continuing slide activity.
-------------------------------------
SECOND UPDATE: One-way traffic control is now in effect with 60+ minute delays. Only 2-3 vehicles at a time are being allowed through under the supervision of spotters and flaggers.
While the route is open for now, the situation may change at *ANY* time. There is a potential for another slide to come down and close the roadway again.
Overnight closures of Route 299 are possible, as it is difficult to monitor slide activity further up the slope in the dark. If overnight closures are to be put into effect, we will update with more details.
--------------------------------------
UPDATE: Route 299 is expected to remain CLOSED on Tuesday, 11/15. Approximately ten thousand cubic yards of debris are currently in the roadway. There is currently no estimated time to reopening.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Route 299 in Trinity County near Big French Creek closed last night due to an active slide. It is unknown how long the highway will remain closed.
