MENDOCINO COUNTY — October 26, 2026. Motorists planning rural travel east from US-101 onto State Route 162 should note a long-running bridge construction restriction. According to Caltrans’ latest road-conditions bulletin, SR-162 at Eel River Bridge, approximately 7.9 to 8.4 miles east of its US-101 junction, has alternating one-way traffic 24 hours a day.

The published restriction extends through 7 a.m. January 29, 2027, and the state reports potential delays of up to 10 minutes. This is a project notice, not a claim that construction crews will be physically working every hour of that entire period. Temporary signals or flaggers can regulate travel as the work site requires.

Rural access and long-distance trips

Route 162 serves rural communities east of US-101 where there may be fewer alternatives to crossing a bridge. A driver should use the precise state route and bridge location, rather than assuming all of Laytonville, Covelo or another community is closed. The announcement does not list a blanket closure of the route.

Check QuickMap and posted directions before any time-sensitive journey. If traveling with a trailer or large vehicle, follow the currently posted limits rather than assuming a general rural highway is unrestricted.

Primary source: Caltrans SR-162 highway information, October 26, 2026. This report is filed for Mendocino County because the source names the bridge segment rather than a specific incorporated city.

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