Foresthill Road Update: Road Open One Lane Each Direction
Updated 4/14/06
Placer County Public Works crews continue to focus on protecting the safety of the motorists while keeping Foresthill Road open with one lane in each direction, despite serious damage caused by recent rain storms.
Storm damage first appeared last week, including crumbling pavement and a slide that has increased in size in the eastbound lane south of Drivers Flat Road. There are also significant cracks in the pavement about 1,000 feet further down the road.
Staff is working to minimize damage to the roadway while keeping it open.
Ken Grehm, Placer County Public Works Director, announced today that repairing the storm-damaged road will take months, not days, and work on permanent solutions cannot begin until conditions dry out significantly and the roadway stabilizes.
However, Grehm noted the County has taken aggressive steps to be ready to design and implement permanent repairs as soon as it's possible. "We have hired a private contractor and a private geotechnical engineer to assist our own road crews in managing the situation," he said. "Once conditions dry out, engineers will need to determine what caused the road bed materials to slip, and then to determine how best to make permanent repairs."
"Additionally, our crews are building a temporary lane in the westbound side opposite the problem areas, which will become available now as needed, but which will become essential when permanent repairs are being made this summer."
Motorists are asked to use extra caution when driving on Foresthill Road, because of lane restrictions, potential road obstructions such as limbs or rocks, and particularly, because road crews are working to protect public safety. Some lane restrictions will likely remain
in effect until the permanent repairs are completed.
Foresthill residents are also reminded that keeping emergency supplies on hand remains essential, as storms have not ended and more road damage could further limit use of the road.
"I have had detailed conversations with the Department of Public Works about the problems with the road," said Bruce Kranz, the Board of Supervisors member who represents the Foresthill area. "Staff is out there working right now. I am confident that Ken Grehm and his staff understand the priority of keeping the public safe and keeping the road open." The Placer County Office of Emergency Services declared a local emergency on Tuesday in response to storm damages that have occurred since late March, and are asking the Governor to proclaim a state of emergency, so local government agencies can get state help in dealing with storm-related damages.
Placer County roadways in the unincorporated area have been significantly damaged by the rain and mudslides. Road crews have been working extended hours in response to roadway obstructions. Costs to public agencies continue to be rise.
file:///C|/X-root/www.placer.ca.gov/news/2006/04-14-06-foresthill-road.htm (2 of 2)6/1/2006 12:53:45 PM