Celebrate! | Source

It’s the road opening event you’ve all been waiting for! The era of bypassing Willits is upon us and Caltrans would like you to celebrate with them. 

Yes, today our orangest state agency announced that they will be holding an event to celebrate the completion of the Willits Bypass on Thursday, Nov. 3. While not specifically spelled out in the media release below, Caltrans District 1 PIO Phil Frisbee tells the Outpost that the event is open to the public and that the plan is to open the bypass to Joe and Jane Motorist sometime that very same afternoon, oh boy.

There will be spectacle. Says Caltrans: “Local classic cars, representing the more than six decades that have passed since the conception of the bypass and carrying VIPs, will be among the first to cross the viaduct.” Whee!

More details on the Willits Bypass and its opening ceremony below:

WHAT: Celebration for the completion of the Willits Bypass project and dedication of Jesse D Pittman S01 Navy SEAL Memorial Bridge. 

WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.; parking opens at 10:00 a.m. 

WHERE: Along the new highway, at the south end of the 1.1 mile long viaduct (bridge), through the south interchange, just south of the city of Willits.

Media and dignitaries check-in at the orange tent on the south side of the Jesse D Pittman S01 Navy SEAL Memorial Bridge prior to the event.

Crews constructed approximately six miles of roadway and 14 bridges on U.S. Highway 101 in Mendocino County. The $300 million two-lane bypass is improving safety for traffic and pedestrians traveling through the city of Willits. The project also eliminated the only stoplights on U.S. 101 between San Francisco and Eureka, relieving congestion and reducing delays for motorists. This project received $136 million from Proposition 1B funds, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond. In total, more than $19 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been distributed statewide.

One of the main features of the Willits Bypass project is a 1.1 mile long viaduct. At the ceremony, the viaduct will officially be named Jesse D Pittman S01 Navy SEAL Memorial Bridge, in honor of a local United States Navy Seal, who gave his life in service to his country in Afghanistan in 2011.

Local classic cars, representing the more than six decades that have passed since the conception of the bypass and carrying VIPs, will be among the first to cross the viaduct.

Follow the signs for “Special Event” to be directed to parking. Please see the attached map for more details.

-BELOW: A Willits Bypass Drive Through-