Michael Ballard

The fire burned the bulk of the old highway, from Whitaker Summit through to the Pyramid Dam. The road won't be reopened until March it would seem. From what I've been able to see of it, and from other reports, it looks like at least the 1932/1951 Piru Creek Bridge is in good order. The railing on the 1932 side, which is wooden, appears to be intact. To the north of the bridge, in Piru Gorge, it looks like the fire wasn't as severe, but still burned most of the area.

On October 1st, I will be cleaning my section of I-5 in Grapevine Canyon. If anyone is interested in joining, let me know! My section includes Deadman's Curve, and some other Ridge Route concrete, and a nice 1931 culvert with some wooden railing. I am always looking for volunteers. Mike Ballard

Over the last week, there has been a fire that burned a significant portion of the Ridge Route Alternate from near Big Oak Flat north to Pyramid Lake. I am unsure of the damage to the roadway, or its roadside material. I will be up there to check it out on October 1st. Hopefully, the 1932 Piru Creek Bridge still has its wooden railing! If anyone is out in that area, please send a report! Mike Ballard