Southbound US-101 Lanes Closed for Mowing, Delays Expected Near Englewood

Southbound lanes on US-101 between Avenue of the Giants - Englewood and the South Fork Eel River Bridge were closed on Jan. 13 while crews conducted roadway mowing, the California Highway Patrol posted in a highway alert. Multiple general-purpose lanes were taken out of service during the operation, and the closure was expected to end at about 4:01 p.m.

The stoppage briefly constricted traffic on a stretch of highway that links midcoast communities and supports timber, logging, and visitor traffic traveling through Humboldt County. Highway patrol advisories urged local travelers to plan for delays, drive with caution through the work zone, and consult highway alerts for updates and alternate routing if needed.

For residents, the closure meant slower commutes and potential knock-on effects for school buses, delivery vehicles, and commercial trucks that depend on US-101 as the primary north-south artery. Motorists traveling the scenic Avenue of the Giants corridor or heading to recreational access points along the Eel River were likely to encounter tapering, cone patterns, and reduced lane capacity, increasing travel times during the afternoon peak.

Maintenance closures for vegetation control are a regular part of keeping road shoulders, sight lines, and bridge approaches safe, but they require careful coordination with traffic enforcement and passing motorists. Local crews conducted the mowing operations in the active traffic zone, which necessitated the temporary lane reductions reported by the highway patrol. While brief in duration, such operations can cascade into longer delays if leisure traffic, logging trucks, or commercial freight converge on the same window.

Drivers in Humboldt County should continue to treat work zones with care and factor extra time into plans when highway alerts indicate maintenance activity. Checking official CHP highway alerts before departure can help drivers choose alternate routes or adjust travel timing to avoid the busiest periods. For those who rely on US-101 for appointments, deliveries, or emergency services, even short closures underscore the highway’s role as critical infrastructure.

Expect similar maintenance closures throughout the year as agencies manage roadside vegetation and infrastructure safety. Continued vigilance and patience from motorists will reduce risk and help crews complete necessary work with minimal disruption to the community.