Drivers react to Highway 154 reopening

BUELLTON, Calif.- Caltrans says the highway was closed for several days for safety reasons.

Rocks and debris fell onto the highway in several places after last week's storm making it far too dangerous for drivers.

Crews went along the entire length of the pass clearing debris.

Highway 154 reopened at 5pm on Wednesday and drivers were thrilled.

Drivers say they use the 154 for work and it saves them time when they travel.  

"It’s going to be great because its going to save people a lot of time because it gets congested with the 150 for being close so everybody’s having to be rerouted so it always helps people get into them from work," said Florencia Garcia a Lompoc resident.

"We love the 154 because it kind of cuts off a little bit of the travel time from Southern Cal to up to the Avila Beach area but it's also a beautiful drive," said Jeff Losey traveling from Newbury Park.

Now that Highway 154 is back open, Caltrans encourages drivers to use safety precautions at all times.

Caltrans also says if a roadway is open after a long closure that means it is 100 percent safe to use.