San Ardo to Jolon Road: Caltrans Scheduled Eight Miles of Highway 101 Brush Removal

SAN ARDO, Monterey County — October 29, 2026. Caltrans scheduled vegetation and brush removal along approximately eight miles of U.S. Highway 101, from south of San Ardo toward Jolon Road, starting August 10, 2026. The agency’s August 7 announcement described a fuel-reduction project intended to lessen wildfire risks along a major transportation route.

What was the scope of the project?

Crews were tasked with removing roadside vegetation from both northbound and southbound shoulders. The state described average removal rates of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of dense brush a day in the vegetation-control effort. The reported contract was valued at $330,000 and assigned to Burn Bot Inc. of South San Francisco.

Would there be lane restrictions?

The August notice advised motorists of possible intermittent shoulder and single-lane restrictions, Monday through Friday, generally between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.. The agency expected no significant delays and anticipated finishing that project segment by August 21.

Are those restrictions active today?

The August schedule is historical and should not be treated as an October 29 traffic advisory. Drivers should check Caltrans QuickMap for current highway conditions, closures and changes before traveling.

Does the work make the route fireproof?

Removing combustible vegetation can reduce fuel near a highway and help crews manage roadside incidents, but high winds and severe fire weather can still threaten the corridor. Caltrans did not announce a reconstruction of Highway 101 or an expansion to more traffic lanes as part of this brush-removal contract.

Primary source: Caltrans District 5, Traffic Control on U.S. 101 for Vegetation Work, August 7, 2026.

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