Confusion regarding Highway 70 escorts through the canyon clarified
Yesterday, Caltrans announced that beginning today, May 4, Highway 70 would be reopened to through traffic three times a day with an escort: “Eastbound and westbound traffic will be escorted through the closure (from Jarbo Gap to the Greenville Wye) at 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Motorists must be in line at the time of these openings in order to travel through the closure, but are asked to not get in line any earlier than 15 minutes prior to the opening time to ensure the roadway is not blocked for emergencies or contractor access.”
However, since access is already allowed past those junctures on either side of the slide, it left local motorists unsure about where to wait. Even the CHP and county road department were unclear as to the instructions. So, after multiple entities asked for clarification, here is what we know: The CHP confirmed that motorists need to be at the Greenville Wye at the appointed time or Jarbo Gap to be allowed through. At all other times, motorists who need to access either side of the slide will be allowed access as they have been.
This schedule is subject to change at any time due to weather, future slide activity, or operations and we will do our best to provide that information as it becomes available.
To reiterate, local traffic access is available outside of these opening times from either side of the closure but not to cross the slide area at post mile 15.2, just east of Belden. Caltrans and Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc. would like to thank the traveling public for their patience and are continuing to work towards increasing access in the affected areas when possible.
Always #KnowBeforeYouGo at QuickMap.dot.ca.gov
Thank you, just be clear, if I want to travel from Oroville to Quincy I should be at Jarbo Gap at 6:30.