Caltrans will introduce two four-hour closures — from 8 a.m.-noon and from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — on U.S. 101 at Last Chance Grade starting July 6.

The change in schedule is meant to accelerate an end to the long closures from November to the end of August, according to a Caltrans news release.

Starting July 6, between Monday and Thursday, motorists are urged to travel through the area before 8 a.m., from noon to 3 p.m., or after 7 p.m., according to Caltrans. On Fridays, motorists should travel through the area before 8 a.m. or after noon.

Thirty-minute delays "should be expected at all open hours," according to the news release.

From Caltrans:

Time it right: Last Chance Grade schedule changes will accelerate Caltrans’ estimated end of long closures from November to the end of August.  

Beginning Tuesday, July 6 at Last Chance Grade on U.S. 101 south of Crescent City in Del Norte County, Caltrans will encourage motorists to travel through the area Monday through Thursday before 8 a.m., from noon to 3 p.m., or after 7 p.m. On Fridays motorists are encouraged to travel through the area before 8 a.m. or after noon. 30-minute delays should be expected at all open hours. [Note: A table of the new closure schedule can be viewed at the end of this news release] 

By simply “timing it right” to arrive at Last Chance Grade slightly before and during these open windows, travel impacts can be greatly reduced as crews continue their hard work battling the elements by stabilizing the slope.  

Until July 6 motorists should still anticipate closures Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., from noon to 2 p.m., and from 3 to 5 p.m., on Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 2 p.m., and 30-minute delays at all other hours. From July 2 through July 5 motorists should only anticipate 30-minute delays due to the holiday weekend. 

These schedule changes at Last Chance Grade will more than double our rate for ongoing work operations and are estimated to change the completion date of long closures from November to the end of August. Caltrans conducted extensive outreach in the last several weeks with agency partners and other community leaders to plan and implement these changes. Patience, planning, and pointing others to this information will be key as we all work together to tackle this landslide. During the days with two four-hour closures, we will be able to conduct seven or more hours of effective work per day rather than the three we are getting currently getting due to constraints. Additionally, implementing this schedule change may allow for further work efficiencies as work progresses. Ambulances and emergency vehicles will be permitted through the closure when necessary. CHP will be on-site to assist with emergencies. Portable restrooms will also soon be placed on both sides of the closure. 

 

“While we know no one wants longer closures, and such closures can have significant impacts on jobs, families, and the community, it’s imperative that we do all we can to reestablish an open and sustainable transportation corridor between Klamath and Crescent City as soon as possible,” said Caltrans Construction Manager Sebastian Cohen. “This adjusted work schedule will more than double our production and allow us to get the road open to more flexible schedules much sooner.” 

 

For more information about Last Chance Grade and for a banner link to this post, please visit lastchancegrade.com 

 

A table of the new schedule to be implemented July 6 

 

Monday through Thursday: 

8 a.m. to noon                      Closed 

Noon to 3 p.m.                     Open with 30-minute delays 

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.                    Closed 

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.               Open with 30-minute delays 

 

Friday: 

8 a.m. to noon                      Closed 

12 p.m. on                            Open with 30-minute delays 

 

Saturday and Sunday and all other hours: 

 Open with 30-minute delays

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