Paving work underway in Happy Camp as students return to school

Paving work is scheduled to begin in Happy Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 12 as part of the ongoing Happy Camp Complete Streets Project. Caltrans is asking motorists to use extra caution while traveling through Happy Camp as this work coincides with the start of the new school year.

Construction crews are currently working west to east along Highway 96 through Happy Camp. This week, grinding and paving operations are taking place between Indian Creek Bridge and Hillside Road, with work continuing east in the coming weeks to just beyond Davis Road.

The contractor will be working Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., although those hours are subject to change. Twenty-four-hour traffic control will be in place during the work week, with flaggers and a pilot car guiding motorists through the construction zone. Flaggers will also be stationed at various intersections as needed. Additional pedestrian crossing signs will be placed at Park Way and Reeves Street.

Motorists should plan for short delays, generally around 5 to 6 minutes during the busiest construction hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

With students returning to school Wednesday, drivers are urged to be especially alert for children, pedestrians, school buses and increased traffic throughout the community.

Motorists are asked to remain on the designated route rather than attempting to bypass traffic control using local roads. Drivers should pay close attention to flaggers and construction signs, avoid distractions and travel at safe speeds through the work zone.

Paving operations are anticipated to continue for approximately three to four weeks, potentially with a one- to two-week break during that period. No construction work or traffic control is planned from Thursday through Tuesday of Labor Day weekend to accommodate the Bigfoot Jamboree and Labor Day holiday.

Caltrans thanks Happy Camp residents, students, families and motorists for their patience and cooperation while this work is underway.