###

Press release from Caltrans District 1

HUMBOLDT COUNTY — Years of major safety improvements along U.S. 101 between Eureka and Arcata have created the conditions that now allow Caltrans to return the posted speed limit from 50 to 60 mph, ending more than two decades at the lower limit. While increasing the speed limit was not the intended goal of these projects, the change marks a major milestone in efforts to reduce collisions and improve travel along the North Coast’s busiest stretch of highway. The new speed limit is expected to take effect early next week. 

The corridor’s speed limit was lowered from 60 to 50 mph in May 2002 as part of a series of safety measures addressing a history of collisions. Since then, Caltrans and its regional partners have invested in projects designed to eliminate collision-prone crossings, improve traffic flow and make the highway safer for everyone.

With most of these improvements now complete, Caltrans anticipates a significant reduction in collision rates over time, along with the potential for safer, smoother and more reliable commutes between Humboldt County’s two most populated communities.

The Eureka-Arcata U.S. 101 Corridor Improvement project includes the Indianola Undercrossing, now known as the Brad Mettam Memorial Interchange, a northbound traffic signal at Airport Road, improvements to acceleration and deceleration lanes, the installation of cable median barrier, bridge and railing replacements at Jacoby Creek and Gannon Slough, tide gate replacements, and the closures of median crossings at Mid-City Motors, the former mill site, Bracut and Bayside Cutoff.

“The Eureka-Arcata Corridor projects represent a significant investment in safety for our community,” said Caltrans District 1 Project Manager Jeff Pimentel. “Through the collective efforts of our project team and partners, we’ve eliminated uncontrolled at-grade crossings, addressed longstanding collision risks, and made lasting safety improvements along this corridor. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together to improve safety for the traveling public.” 

The improvements are intended to reduce the number of places where vehicles must cross highway traffic or make turns that could lead to collisions. New connections and improved lanes also help drivers enter and exit the highway more predictably, with the potential to reduce delays and improve travel times. 

“The return to 60 mph is an important milestone for the Eureka-Arcata corridor, reflecting years of work to improve safety for everyone traveling between these communities,” said Tom Fitzgerald, Caltrans District 1 Deputy Director of Maintenance. “Our partners at the California Highway Patrol, Humboldt County Association of Governments, the cities of Eureka and Arcata, Humboldt County and others all played crucial roles. While we’ve made significant progress, our work doesn’t stop here. We’ll continue evaluating conditions, listening to community concerns and identifying opportunities for further improvements.” 

What travelers should know 

Crews are scheduled to install and remove speed limit signs beginning Monday, November 2. Limited single-lane closures will be necessary, so travelers should slow for the cone zone. 

The new 60 mph signs will be installed in both directions, with the first northbound sign beyond the Eureka Slough Bridge and the first southbound sign before the Gannon Slough Bridge. 

The existing temporary speed limit reduction approaching the southbound Eureka Slough Bridge will remain in place until further notice because of ongoing emergency bridge work. 

Caltrans expects to conduct an engineering and traffic survey by the end of 2027 to evaluate conditions and the posted speed limit. That review could result in additional changes, although no further change is guaranteed.