Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, Local News

The goal of replacing the often-unstable Last Chance Grade has moved closer to reality, as Caltrans has announced the 6,000-foot tunnel project has advanced into the design phase. The tunnel would replace the section of U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City. The tunnel would mitigate the current threat of a long-term closure, along with eliminating costly repair projects which routinely impact commuting residents, emergency responders, tourism and commercial commence. Current estimates expect design and right-of-way support at $225 million, with construction costs of up to $3.5 billion. Funding has yet to be secured, although the timeline calls for work to begin is in 2031.

A wide range of fence projects will be covered tonight at the 5:30 meeting of the Brookings City Council. Bids for both public works projects and park projects will be examined. The meeting will be held in the city hall council chambers on Elk Drive.

Today marks the first day of school for students in the Del Norte County Unified School District. The district is welcoming numerous new principals to sites, and school officials remind drivers that students will be walking to and from schools, and school buses will be back in action. The Brookings-Harbor School District will begin its year on Sept. 1.

New work on U.S. Highway 101 begins today near the Klamath River Overflow Bridge with lane closures from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Minor delays should be expected. Fifteen-minute delays are expected starting Wednesday near the Damnation Creek Trailhead. U.S. 199 still has three projects ongoing, all with 10-minute delays.