Tools

Closed Bridge On Paradise Road To Open Soon

Storm damage repaired

Written by John Palminteri

Story Created: Feb 10, 2012 at 4:40 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2012 at 11:39 PM PDT

Santa Ynez Valley - Usually this time of the year the Santa Ynez River is flowing so high you can't drive to Red Rock anyway.

But the gates are open and the river is down.

Launch a Paradise Rd./Red Rock Image Gallery

The problem is the first bridge crossing has been closed until repairs could be completed after storm damage in the winter of 2010.

This is one of the most well traveled areas of the valley for hikers, bike riders and those looking for quiet swimming holes.

Since the gate has been closed, the only way to get there is to leave your car behind.

"Right now you can't get up the canyon with a vehicle, you can [only] walk and ride a bicycle," said Bill Hancock with Rocky Mountain Services. "A lot of people ride their bicycle to the falls and Red Rock."

The bridge is expected to be open Feb. 17.

For now, the Upper Oso area remains open and the Lower Oso area has vehicle restrictions until the gate at the bridge is open next week.

Campground operators along Paradise Road expect that weekend to be very busy with visitors who have been turned away by the bridge closure for the past year.


KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Primetime

AFV
7.00
america's funniest home videos
8.00
billboard music awards
11.00
key news