District 1 photo
The Fortuna Maintenance Crew did the department proud with its response to rising waters late last year in the North State.
By Meriah Miracle
District 1 public information officer
Simultaneous road closures caused by flooding created major challenges for Humboldt County travelers just before Christmas 2025. But for the Fortuna Maintenance Crew, it was business as usual.
Late in the morning of Sunday, Dec. 21, Fortuna Maintenance Supervisor Jason Sells began receiving calls about rising waters along U.S. Highway 101 near College of the Redwoods south of Eureka. By then, flooding had already shut down Route 211, the Avenue of the Giants, and the Hookton Road offramp, and conditions were getting worse. High water levels forced Northbound 101 traffic near Loleta to drive on the shoulder.
Maintenance crews quickly responded, providing traffic control and assisting frustrated travelers during one of the busiest weekends before the holidays. Sells acknowledged the inconvenience, saying, “We know it’s frustrating for people, but our priority is always safety.”
The team monitored conditions closely and ultimately closed the road as flooding intensified. Sells praised their dedication. “When emergencies happen, these guys show up. They come out after work, at night, on weekends. They’ll leave their families to help other families.”
By that evening, floodwater had receded and all three roadways reopened. For the Fortuna Maintenance Crew, the commitment to keeping travelers safe never ebbs, regardless of the challenges that come their way.