Ruth Zenia Road, P.M. 18.75 - Urgent Road Closure for Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Justin Caporusso

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

(916) 412-0571

Expedited Ruth Zenia Road Repairs to Begin September 3rd

Motorists Advised to Plan Accordingly

(Weaverville, CA) August 29, 2024 - Trinity County announces an urgent road closure for repairs on Ruth Zenia Road at post mile 18.75 between Van Duzen Road and Zenia due to severe storm damage sustained in March 2024. In an effort to address this extremely urgent repair, the Trinity County Department of Transportation was successful in receiving expedited approval from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to proceed with road construction effective September 3, 2024.

"We are extremely grateful to Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Forest Service for their hard work and their ability to expedite this process," said Panos Kokkas, Director of Trinity County Department of Transportation. "Without their help, we would never be able to repair the Ruth Zenia road by the end of the year, in which time the road would most likely become completely impassable, causing extreme issues for residents, visitors, and emergency responders."

The repairs are required after multiple sections of the road, spanning approximately 800 feet, suffered significant damage from recent weather events. These damages have rendered the road barely passable and may soon make it completely impassable, potentially delaying emergency 2 services by 4-5 hours. As a result, the Trinity County Department of Transportation has prioritized this site for expedited repair.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

• Residents should prepare for a road closure effective September 3rd through October 11th . Closures may continue for longer periods of time, if necessary, due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events that may occur. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly.

• Emergency services will coordinate with the contractor to ensure continued access during this critical repair period.

• The Trinity County Department of Transportation, alongside Caltrans and FHWA, is dedicated to completing the project as quickly and safely as possible to restore full access to Ruth Zenia Road.

Emergency Closure and Repair Plans

• The most significant damage is located at post mile 18.75, where sections of the road continue to be affected by landslides. Due to the critical condition of the site, the road will be closed to all through traffic for repairs starting September 3, 2024, to ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and workers.

• Stimpel-Weibelhaus Associates, Inc., a Redding-based contractor, has been awarded the contract for this emergency project, with a winning bid of $2,069,335. Work will commence immediately after the closure is implemented.

The Six-Rivers section of the USFS has been working closely with county staff throughout the planning and repair process. Their cooperation and support have been crucial in enabling the expedited timeline for this emergency project.

For further information, contact the Trinity County Department of Transportation at (530) 623-1365.

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