Roads and creeks appear ready for another shot of rain in disaster zone

Work to clear creeks and repair roads appears to be solid enough to handle the next round of rain, even though there’s more work ahead.

Crews have spent weeks on some of the most impacted spots from Carpinteria to Montecito where the mudflow on January 9th and the Thomas fire before that caused widespread damage.

The fall and winter concerns have been the impact of strong storms on the burned hills, and not just where the mudflow occurred 10 months ago.

Drivers on East Valley Road found themselves in a rotating one-lane delay at San Ysidro Creek most of Monday where there were crews carving up the street and repaving sections that were impacted by mud and boulders. The new areas were free of potholes and the smoothest ride drivers could remember in years on the rural road.

Delays were five to ten minutes while the round robin of traffic was taking place. A pilot vehicle was used to keep the cars in line safely.

Work on the bridge and creek west of Cravens Lane in Carpinteria has the roadway closed as it’s been for months, but the project is in the final stages.

All of the runoff channels are open and significantly cleared out as we head into winter. Forecasters say an average or better than average rainfall amount will likely fall after seven years of drought.