UPDATE, FRIDAY, AUG. 25, 4:50 p.m.:

Due to aggressive fire behavior and severe weather which has affected the Smith River Complex fire over the last few days in Oregon, the previously planned escorted and limited traffic control on US-199 has tentatively been delayed until Wednesday, August 30th, as the roadway in Oregon is currently unsafe to travel.

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Press release from Caltrans:

The California Highway Patrol understands the stress and inconvenience caused to our Del Norte Residents due to the Smith River Complex Fire. Our number one priority is protecting and saving the lives of our residents, motoring public and the fire personnel working diligently to protect our homes.

US-199 is a vital necessity to our county for resources, medical supplies and everyday commerce. Our goal is to make US-199 a working thoroughfare as soon as possible.

The California Highway Patrol in collaboration with Caltrans, will open US-199 two times per day beginning Monday August 28, 2023 in an escorted and controlled one-way traffic capacity. This date could possibly be changed depending on the direction of travel the fire takes over the next several days.

There will be a morning commute and an evening commute to accommodate travel. The escorted travel schedule will be the following:

0700 Hours (7 a.m.): Travel from the south closure in Gasquet on US-199 to the Oregon border. Once all of the northbound traffic has been escorted through the closure to the Oregon border, southbound traffic will be escorted from the Oregon Border back to the south closure in Gasquet. Once traffic has been escorted through in both directions, US-199 will again be closed until the 1700 hour opening.

1700 hours (5 p.m.): Travel from the south closure in Gasquet on US-199 to the Oregon border. Once all of the northbound traffic has been escorted through the closure to the Oregon border, southbound traffic will be escorted from the Oregon Border back to the south closure in Gasquet. Once traffic has been escorted through in both directions, US-199 will again be closed until the 0700 hour opening the following day.

The Smith River Complex Fire is very unpredictable, and these plans are subject to change if there is a safety risk to our motoring public and/or personnel.

The California Highway Patrol values every member of Del Norte County, making their safety and best interest a top priority. We are eager to open US-199 and bring this valued resource back to our community.