101 Prairie Creek Curve Improvement Project

Caltrans proposes to improve an existing curve on U.S. 101 from postmile postmiles 125.2 to 125.6 in northern Humboldt County north of Orick. The purpose of the project is to improve safety and reduce the frequency and severity of collisions. The project is needed because this segment of the highway experiences a higher rate of collisions than the statewide average.

Project Description

Caltrans is proposing safety upgrades at this curve to make it easier to drive. The plan increases the curve’s banking with smooth transitions, widens the shoulders for more room, upgrades the guardrail to a modern, safer design, and replaces the concrete strip beneath it. A small asphalt edge would be added on the northbound side to limit erosion, and a high-friction surface would be placed through the curve for better traction, especially when wet. The project also improves drainage by replacing three culverts, adding one new culvert, closing one old line, and building a vegetated bioswale to treat stormwater.

Timeline

At this time, Caltrans anticipates beginning construction by 2026.

Estimated Traffic Impacts

A lane closure will be required with one-way traffic control during construction. Bicyclists will be accommodated.

For more information, contact:

Project Manager
David Melendrez
(707) 572-0831

Environmental Coordinator
Morgan Kipf 
(707) 492-0174

Public Information Officer
Myles Cochrane
(707) 498-4272

Last reviewed: October 2025