Week long closure of HWY 243 causing headaches for drivers, Idyllwild businesses
Highway 243 will be shut down for the week, causing headaches for those looking to visit the mountain communities and business owners.
“Well, we were coming up to work. We got a little over halfway and then came across a roadblock and got turned around,” said Marc Peterman, an Idyllwild store owner.
HWY 243 is blocked off right before Fulmore Lake, between Banning and Idyllwild. California Highway Patrol officers turned people away. Crews at the scene told News Channel 3 they are working 24 hours a day round-the-clock to repair over 400 feet of damaged roads.
They say these roads were a definite safety concern. Caltrans workers on scene said they’re replacing 120 feet of piping underground.
Local business owners in Idyllwild expressed their concerns that the road closure will impact sales during the usually busy holiday season.
“It’s really inconvenient for the people that travel up here to work or travel down the hill to go to work. But it’s really detrimental to all the businesses that rely on the tourism,” said Ron Campbell, an Idyllwild store owner.
Just another roadblock on what has been a rough couple of months for the mountain community.
“With the road closures and stuff like that, especially the fires, it has taken a toll on us. So, we really appreciate the people who are coming up,” said Christy Hopkins, Idyllwild store owner.
The Cranston Fire burned 13,139 acres near Idyllwild and Mountain Center over the summer.
Store owners say they want people to know there are two alternative ways to access the mountain town. Drivers can take 79 through Hemet or the 74 from Palm Desert.
“Alternative ways are here and we’re all open for business,” Peterman said.
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