Highway 243 washed out at mile post 17 during the Feb. 14 rains. This was the northern edge of major damage, 1 mile north of the Bay Tree Springs washout. A new culvert has been put in place and the road is being reconstructed. Photos by JP Crumrine
Near mile post 16.5, Ames Construction, the Caltrans contractor, has to dig up the road surface on Highway 243 to enable a new culvert and repair work to be done.
Photo by JP Crumrine
Near mile post 16.25, the road was damaged so much that it is no longer visible. Ames has begun reconstruction, but completion will not be soon.
Bay Tree Spring is still running. This is the old culvert, which was too small for the February runoff.
Highway 243 washed out at mile post 17 during the Feb. 14 rains. This was the northern edge of major damage, 1 mile north of the Bay Tree Springs washout. A new culvert has been put in place and the road is being reconstructed. Photos by JP Crumrine
Looking from the south side of the Bay Tree Spring washout to the north side, Ames is working to rebuild the base of the road back to the original surface. At left: At many of the new culverts, Caltrans has laid rocks to prevent future rains from eroding the side and edges of the highway.
This is Highway 243 just beyond Bay Tree Spring, mile post 16. Extensive damage destroyed the road, necessitating an almost new road.

Similar Posts

  • Idyllwild prostate cancer survivors favor the PSA test

    A group of local men, all prostate cancer survivors who meet regularly in an information-sharing and support group, reacted to a panel of experts’ recent recommendation against a test that screens for prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen, PSA test). Collectively, they were incredulous about the panel’s recommendation. “The test is non-invasive and costs little to…

  • Dry winter still likely

    Last Wednesday about 1.3 inches of rain were recorded at the Keenwild Ranger Station. This brought the total rainfall at Keenwild, since July 1, to 4.87 inches. This is nearly 1.4 inches or 40 percent greater than the long-term average for rainfall through October. Further north, at the Vista Grande Fire Station, about 2 inches…

  • Cedar shake replacement project

    The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council has received Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to begin its cedar shake shingle roof replacement project, according to Executive Director Edwina Scott. Work will begin over the next few weeks and homeowners may receive 75 percent of the replacement cost. Scott can be reached at 951-659-6208.

  • McCaughin leaves ICRC board

    Longtime Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC) board member Linda McCaughin submitted a resignation letter dated Dec. 27 that became effective Jan.1. Vice President and Acting Chair Dawn Sonnier informed the board of McCaughin’s resignation at it’s Tuesday, Jan. 12 meeting. With McCaughin’s departure, ICRC is back to a board of five out of seven, with…

  • News of record: Oct. 10, 2013

    According to the California Highway Patrol, at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, a red Ford F150 truck and Subaru Forester collided head-on at Highway 243 and North Circle Drive. After the cars collided, the Ford truck rolled down the highway and collided with a tree in front of the Village Market. According to witnesses,…

  • Dickens essay and poster contest winners

    Winners of the 2015 Idyllwild School Charles Dickens Essay and Poster Contest were announced Tuesday morning. The contest, in its eleventh year, is sponsored by Mary Austin Scholarships and Grants. Some $550 in cash prizes were awarded. Pictured here from top row left: Suzy Caparelli, Matt Kraemer, Marina Khella, Matt Hamlet, Doug Austin, Sophia Holanda, George Companiott, Vinny Parillo, Donna Mercer and Sierra Barnett; bottom row from left: Sidney Cruz, Abby See, Parker Strunk, Arriana Felix, Zack Zambranao and Izaiah Carmen.