Highway 58 set to reopen Thursday following mud flow closure

Days after a flash flood carried mud from surrounding mountains onto California State Route 58, cleanup continued Monday on the roadway, which was covered in five-to-six feet of mud in some areas. It's expected to reopen on Thursday.

"Cleanup is coming along well out there," Caltrans public information officer Florene Trainor told KPCC. 

During the flooding, 200 vehicles became encased in mud. Dozens of vehicles that were still stuck over the weekend have been towed.

"They have removed all of the cars," Trainor said, "and they have cleared the lanes of all the mud."

All the material has been put off to the shoulders and needs to be hauled away, she said. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards of material still needs to be removed, according to Trainor. Drainage cleanup is also being done.

Fifty-two Caltrans employees were working at the highway with 11 loaders, 5 graders, 14 dump trucks, an excavator and a fuel truck on Sunday, according to a statement from Caltrans. Engineers and geologists were also assessing the damage done. The mud flooded the highway between Mojave and Tehachapi.

Cars, depending on their location, were either taken to Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds or to the Mojave Airport.

Those still looking for their cars can call Bishop California Highway Patrol Dispatch at (760) 872-5900.