After more than 10 weeks of full or partial closures due to damage from wildfire, Highway 199 south of the Oregon-California border will be open as of Saturday … except for when it isn’t.

Motorists still might encounter delays up to an hour on weekdays, according to California’s transportation department, Caltrans.

“Following solid progress responding to wildfire repairs along U.S. 199 near the Oregon border in Del Norte County, crews anticipate the last day of three-hour closures will be on Friday, Oct. 27,” the agency announced Wednesday via social media. “Saturday and Sunday will be the first days without traffic control since the fire started.

“Work is still ongoing. Moving forward, travelers should expect up to one-hour delays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Outside of those hours, delays should be minimal. In the event of possible Saturday work, we’ll give you a heads up here in advance.”

The highway has been closed on and off since Aug. 16 from the border south to the Gasquet area after a lightning storm ignited what became known as the Smith River Complex. Fire burned on both sides of the highway and the Middle Fork Smith River. Trees and debris fell onto the highway.

In the wake of the damage, the state contracted for $7 million in emergency repair work. Work crews have dealt with hazard trees, damaged guardrail and damages signs. They’ve installed cable net drapery systems to control rockfall.

Most recently, the highway has been closed for three hours at a time mornings and afternoons.

For updated highway conditions, call 800-427-7623 or go online to roads.dot.ca.gov, click on “links” and enter “199.” Caltrans also posts updates to Facebook, under Caltrans District 1.