March 28, 2024
Mountain storm repairs may not finish this summer
IDYLLWILD – (INT) – Ongoing storm repairs on San Jacinto Mountains highways just got longer.

Caltrans expects that repairs on Routes 74 and 243 will continue throughout the summer and into September. Completion of the $30 million emergency repair project is nowhere in sight.

A Caltrans spokeswoman said that once the two highways are reopened, another $25 million contract calls for upgrades on existing drainage culverts.

Ninety-five locations have varying degrees of damage. Work has been completed at twenty-five. That included replacing culverts, rebuilding slopes and roadbeds, replacing drains, scaling rock, repaving roadbeds and re-installing guardrail and signage.

A Valentine’s Day storm in February inflicted the initial damage. Additional winter and spring storms added to the troubles and, in some cases, erased the repairs.

Access to Idyllwild and Mountain Center has been problematical at times, but escort vehicles are leading visitors and residents through reconstruction zones. Escorts 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be provided beginning Labor Day weekend.

Weekend escort hours have been expanded on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 a.m. to midnight until the Labor Day weekend. The weekday escort hours will remain in place Monday through Friday, 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to midnight, respectively.

Businesses in the resort communities are open.

Caltrans video at: https://youtu.be/RAuJFC8U8LI
Story Date: August 1, 2019
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