Hello, Boyden Cavern friends and guests!
I have an update on the progress of repairs to Highway 180. I will provide a quick summary first, but if you (like me!) are interested in all the details and photos, I have included that further down.
According to Granite Construction, the estimated date for reopening the highway is June 2024. We hope to get more details as warmer weather allows for the final construction to be completed. We will not be releasing tickets online until we have confirmation of an opening date.
We cannot wait to be in the canyon and sharing the wonders of the cavern with you all again.
Hwy 180 impacted areas
This map from CalTrans shows some of the most severely damaged locations.
Timeline
May - August 2023
During this time we received a few photos and updates, stating that multiple areas of severe damage would require geotechnical and hydrotechnical expert design for repair and rebuilding. Access was completely restricted. Some areas, like Site 3, sustained worsened damage as snow melt deepened washouts.
Source: CalTrans Commuter Alert News Release May 2023
CalTrans Commuter Alert News Release July 2023
CalTrans Commuter Alert News Release August 2023
September 2023
CalTrans announced that Sites 1-3 had deep washouts that were in the design process for permanent repairs. Sites 4-6 were considered minor to moderate washouts and construction would begin mid-September.
Granite Construction was awarded the contract to complete repairs.
Source: Granite secures contract for Sequoia National Forest repair project
Source: CalTrans Commuter Alert News Release September 2023
December 2023
CalTrans announced that all major rockslides had been cleared. The embankments at all smaller washouts had been repaired. Repairs at sites 2, 3, and 5 were in progress. Culverts had been cleared and erosion control was put in place to help mitigate damage from potential winter storms.
At this point I expected that work would be finished until spring, but luckily we got another update in January!
Source: CalTrans Commuter Alert News Release December 2023
January 2024
The engineered fill at Site 2 is currently underway. The installation of the retaining wall at Site 5 continues to progress and drainage work will continue to be installed concurrently. The drainage work at Site 3 and roadway replacement is in progress Site 3 is now being brought up to final grade.
Photos
