Storm could snarl more traffic along troubled Highway 17

SCOTTS VALLEY (BCN and KTVU) - Cal Trans crews are now working to get Highway 17 cleared. They are hoping to beat the next round of rain which is due in to hit the Bay Area overnight and early Thursday morning.

A massive slide is still covering the northbound lanes of Highway 17, which means the roadway only has one lane open in each direction. Crews are on scene hoping to clear as much of that mud as possible before the storms arrive.

Crews will be starting from the top of the slide, because clearing the bottom first can cause more of the hillside to slide.

The CHP is already gearing up for the possibility of more delays.

Cal Trans crews were able to return to work Tuesday. They brought in heavy equipment for the first time in nearly a week since a contractor was run over and killed by a dump truck.

Many commuters are telling KTVU they will be staying home to work remotely. They are trying to do anything they can to avoid the commute along Highway 17.
           
Commuters are already telling us that they will be staying home-- working remotely-- anything they can do to avoid the commute along 17.

The Scotts Valley Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans will be closing some roads Wednesday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

During these hours, the off-ramp of southbound state Highway 17 at Scotts Valley Drive will be closed. The on-ramp of northbound state Highway 17 at Granite Creek Road will also be closed.

All traffic will be directed onto northbound highway 17 at Santa's Village Road.

The closures will continue on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday Feb. 24 during the same hours.

The gate on Green Hills Road at S. Navarra Drive will continue to be accessible to local residents to use. Anyone who finds the gate to be locked during the next two weeks can notify police at (831) 440-5670.