A large overnight rockslide south of Gasquet, California, prompted the closure of U.S. Highway 199 near the California-Oregon border.  Caltrans officials had no estimate for when the roadway would reopen as of late Thursday morning.

The primary thoroughfare connecting Southern Oregon to the coast is closed indefinitely following an overnight rockslide in Northern California.

Highway 199 remains closed at the California border as of Thursday morning following the overnight rock slide south of Gasquet, California, with no estimated time for reopening, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation and California Department of Transportation.

The slide occurred “right smack in the middle of the night” shortly after midnight, prompting closures on the highway between mile markers 8.3 to 13, according to Caltrans District 1 spokesman Myles Cochrane. 

“I could sum this one as large,” Cochrane said.

Work crews and geotechnical experts were deployed to the scene before dawn Thursday morning. Cochrane could not provide an estimate as to how long the closure would last, but he said crews are “working very hard” to reopen the roadway as soon as safely possible.

“We are hyper-aware of the importance of connectivity in these communities,” Cochrane said. He acknowledged that alternate routes can take motorists hours.

Cochrane encouraged motorists to follow Caltrans District 1 social media page at Facebook.com/CaltransD1 for the latest updates. More information on Oregon roads is available at Tripcheck.com.

The Oregon Department of Transportation reported late Thursday that a rockslide closure on Highway 199 to the Oregon coast has been lifted, and traffic is moving. 

“Redwood Highway has reopened following a rockslide in California, between Hiouchi and Gasquet,” a release said. “Expect one-way traffic control and delays. Status subject to change. Crews on-site ensuring safe passage.”

Check quickmap.dot.ca.gov or Caltrans District 1 social media for updates. 

See previous Rogue Valley Times coverage below.