As of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Caltrans said it was pulling crews who were trimming trees along southbound Highway 101 north of the Cuesta Grade because of heavy traffic.
The southbound slow lane had been closed due to the work.
Traffic was reportedly backed up for miles between Santa Margarita and Atascadero starting Thursday morning because of the project and just got worse as the day went on.
It’s unknown at this time if crews will be returning to the area at another time.
Traffic Alert: very heavy traffic along southbound #Hwy101 near Santa Margarita due to tree work but our crews almost done so the right slow lane will re-open soon. Thanks for your patience.
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) August 16, 2018
