Highway 101 in Del Norte County is living on the edge, and not just metaphorically. Locals have dubbed a particularly troublesome stretch “Last Chance Grade,” a name that captures its precarious nature, where bumpy roads and landslides threaten safe passage. Car travel along this three-mile stretch has often been more of a roller coaster ride than a smooth cruise, described vividly by Del Norte County District 3 Supervisor Chris Howard as “like traveling on the back of a serpent.”
The challenges have pushed Caltrans to propose an ambitious $2 billion tunnel project, designed to bypass the unstable terrain entirely. This decision comes on the heels of several significant highway closures over the years, the most noteworthy being the Valentine’s Day Slide in 2021. As a vital connection for local farms and emergency services, the highway’s condition has serious implications for the community. Imagine needing to deliver milk or rush a patient to the hospital, only to find the road compromised. It’s no wonder that both locals and emergency responders are keeping a close eye on this development.
While the cost is steep, the community is hopeful. With construction slated to begin in 2030, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel—or rather, under the road. It’s a stark reminder that nature is always in control, and we’re all just trying to stay connected, quite literally, to what matters most.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
