Caltrans to reopen Highway 166 after Gifford Fire closure
One-way reversing traffic control remains for 2.2-mile section
– Highway 166 will reopen at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Large portions of the highway from the junction with U.S. 101 in Santa Maria to Highway 33 have been closed since Aug. 1 because of the Gifford Fire, according to a press release from Cal Trans. Travelers between U.S. 101 and Highway 33 should expect delays of up to one hour.
A 2.2-mile section of Highway 166, about 16 miles east of the junction with U.S. 101 in Santa Maria, will remain under one-way reversing traffic control. A pilot car will lead vehicles through the section, which runs from six miles east of Tepusquet Road to Rock Front Ranch.
The westbound lane in that area will remain closed 24 hours a day for post-fire recovery and ongoing construction, including rock scaling work to stabilize slopes left bare by the fire. Removing loose rocks will protect the public and prepare the slopes for winter rains. There is no estimate for when rockfall mitigation will be complete.
Additional construction at various locations will require flagging operations with one-way reversing traffic control. Delays of up to one hour are expected along the highway.
Ahead of the reopening, Caltrans and contracted crews inspected and repaired culverts, graded and improved pavement and shoulder areas, replaced signs, enhanced striping, and replaced 700 feet of damaged guardrail and end treatments within the 20-mile burn scar near or adjacent to the highway. Construction in the area will continue for several weeks.
Information about the Gifford Fire and emergency preparedness is available for San Luis Obispo County residents at ReadySLO.org and for Santa Barbara County residents at ReadySBC.org.
Road updates are posted on Caltrans District 5 social media accounts: X/Twitter at @CaltransD5, Facebook at Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at Caltrans_D5. Information about transportation projects and funding is available at Build.ca.gov.
The California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page is at http://cad.chp.ca.gov. Traveler information is available at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
Caltrans reminds drivers to slow down and use caution in work zones.
