Caltrans says it expects to re-open Highway 154 by mid-March.
Friday’s announcement comes after a series of winter storms earlier this year blocked a culvert, causing water to flow over the highway, damaging the road.
The affected area between the entrance to Cachuma Lake and the entrance to Live Oak has been closed since Feb. 2.
Caltrans says it has been working 24/7 with engineers and other crews on an emergency permit to re-open the highway. The project comes at a cost of $2.2 million, according to Caltrans.
The blocked culvert has reportedly been cleared. Crews are now “reconstructing the foundation, repairing the embankment and excavating a portion of the damaged highway before it can be re-opened.”
Lake Cachuma is accessible on the Santa Ynez side of Highway 154 and businesses along the highway remain open.
Highway 101 is a detour.
Once the highway reopens, Caltrans says delays may still occur as additional work in the area will be taking place.
Caltrans is contracting with CalPortland Construction in Santa Maria on the project.
