HWY 246 reopens between Solvang, Buellton after extended closure
BUELLTON, Calif. - A major throughway in the Santa Ynez Valley reopened Friday morning after it was closed Thursday evening following a day of heavy rainfall.
Highway 246/Mission Drive between Solvang and Buellton closed at 6 p.m. at Thumbelina Drive Thursday night. The roadway remained closed through 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.
The roadway was closed due to trees leaning and a possible risk of trees falling in heavy winds.
Caltrans spokesman Jim Shivers said crews trimmed trees in the interest of public safety during Thursday's heavy winter storms. That work resumed Friday morning. In the meantime, Highway 246 was closed to prevent any trees falling into the road.
Highway 246 is the main artery connecting the Santa Ynez Valley. Shivers said drivers would have to travel on Highway 154 to Highway 101 to circumvent the closure.
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