Route 66 in Mojave Desert may reopen by late January

Eastward on 66

We’re now starting to realize the extent of flooding damage to Route 66 in Southern California in September.

Not only do 80 miles through the Mojave Desert remain closed, but it likely will remain closed until late January — two months later than originally anticipated.

According to a story in Inland News Today, Roni Edis of the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works said the flash flooding caused millions of dollars in damage.

“Roads were washed out. Bridges were damaged as water went up behind the wing walls adjacent to the bridges undermining the road.”

The first 18-mile segment of damaged road in the Ludlow area was reopened Friday. But, it won’t be until late January that all the repairs have been made, weather permitting.

The part of Route 66 that reopened is from Ludlow to Newberry Springs. Route 66 remains closed from Ludlow to Amboy and from Essex to Cadiz. The flooding affected dozens of bridges in addition to road surfaces.

Kevin Hansel, who helps run Roy’s at Amboy, California, also anticipates Route 66 won’t reopen in that area until February. Amboy remains accessible only one way — from Kelbaker Road via Interstate 40.

UPDATE: A news release Friday from San Bernardino County had a few more repair details:

It is anticipated the section of roadway between Crucero Road and Amboy Road will be open by the end of December 2014 and the section between Cadiz Road and Mountain Springs Road at I-40 by the end of January 2015. All of these timeframes could vary depending on the weather.

(Image of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert by SP8254 via Flickr)

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