Highway 166 between Santa Maria and New Cuyama reopened Wednesday after a long closure due to the Gifford Fire burning along both sides of the roadway.
Caltrans District 5 has been making repairs to fire-related damage along the roadway.
The highway is open, but there will be one-way reversing traffic control for one section, causing delays for vehicles.
“Travelers on Highway 166 making the trip between Highway 101 and Highway 33 should expect delays of up to one hour,” Caltrans officials said.
The 2.2-mile section of one-way traffic control starts about 6 miles east of Tepusquet Road and ends near Rock Front Ranch.
The Gifford Fire started Aug. 1 and has burned more than 130,000 acres. A firefighting force of 4,900 people is assigned to the blaze, which is burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Crews had reached 41% containment as of Wednesday evening.
Authorities said the fire was first reported as a series of small fires along Highway 166. Flames have damaged road infrastructure and Caltrans crews have been doing repair work since last week.
Caltrans and contract crews have repaired culverts, improved pavement and shoulder areas, replaced signs, fixed striping, and replaced 700 feet of damaged guard rail.
There is a 20-mile burn scar near or next to the highway, according to Caltrans, and more repairs are expected in the coming weeks.
Highway 166 reopened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at noon. Travelers can expect delays up to one hour for travel between US 101 and Hwy. 33 due to 24-hour reversing traffic control, from six miles east of Tepusquet Rd. to Rock Front Ranch in support of post-fire recovery efforts. pic.twitter.com/40sKqbkQmz
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) August 13, 2025
The one-way traffic control section is due to a lane closure for rock-scaling operations.
That work, which removes loose rocks from slopes, is needed to protect the highway and prepare for winter rains, Caltrans said.
There was no estimated time for that work to be completed and two-way traffic to restart.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during the Gifford Fire,” the Santa Maria California Highway Patrol office said. “We know that road closures and delays are never ideal, and we understand the inconvenience they can cause. SR-166 is now open, however expect delays.”
Santa Barbara County has lifted or downgraded most evacuation orders for communities along Highway 166. Most new burn areas have been within San Luis Obispo County.
Gifford Fire-related evacuation information for Santa Barbara County is available at ReadySBC.org and updates for San Luis Obispo County can be found at ReadySLO.org.