Update by the edhat staff
2:45 p.m., February 23, 2023
Caltrans announces Highway 154 is now reopened after using snow plows to clear the roadway in both directions. Crews also used sander trucks to disperse sand to provide traction on the icy road.
Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully.
Caltrans Closes Highway 154 Due to Snow
By the edhat staff
12:50 p.m., February 23, 2023
Caltrans has closed Highway 154 due to snow Thursday afternoon.
At 12:45 p.m., the transportation agency stated Highway 154 is closed from the SR-246 roundabout to SR-192/Foothill Road.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported heavy snow on the pass at 12:22 p.m. stating the snow is not currently sticking to the ground and vehicles and traveling very slow.
Vehicles without four-wheel drive are unable to maintain traction and the Sheriff’s Office has been receiving complaints from the public about Highway 154 remaining open, CHP states.
A white Mercedes sedan is reportedly stuck in the snow on the roadway with the snow getting deeper. Three towing companies had to decline the call as they are not equipped for snow leaving Smitty’s as the only company available.
At 12:50 p.m., CHP reports a snow plow was requested as there are currently 40-50 vehicles stuck.
There’s no estimated time of reopening.
This is a developing story.
Photo: Mike Eliason
State Route 154 is CLOSED at the 154/State Route 246 Junction & the 154/State Route 192 Junction due to snow. @CHP_SantaBarb pic.twitter.com/TyE7n7jvTr
— Ray Navarro (@805TowingPIO) February 23, 2023
Nice, good job Caltrans! Close it down after the fact…
nice vid from: Ray Navarro @805TowingPIO
It’s SNOWING people! chains required! oh, wait they closed it 🙁
Seriously. It’s not that this “just happened” but predicted 5 days ago. I guess prevention is not in the CalTrans playbook.
Yeah, it’s real easy to prevent snowfall.
That’s the one I’m talking about, with the Prime trailer and for all you whiners, look at the chains on the tractor….it’s likely the only vehicle in that line that is legal, albeit still not a good idea for this short cut.