Commuters who take State Route 29 through Napa County's iconic Tunnel of Elms, prepare for a slow ride next week. Caltrans has announced that it's time for the elm trees that give the tunnel its name to get a trim, starting Monday, February 26. This means stop-and-go traffic as crews get down to business with their saws and shears.
According to a Caltrans notice, one-way traffic controls will be in place just north of St. Helena during daylight hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and will run through until Friday, March 1. Travelers should expect delays, as vehicles will be allowed in alternating directions to keep the road crew safe.
Local drivers might want to find alternate routes or pad their commute times. Caltrans urges everyone to drive cautiously and patiently while navigating the narrowed lanes and potential backups. It's not just about dodging the cones and crews - it's about safety first.
However, everything hinges on the cooperation of the skies, as all work relies on dry weather. If Mother Nature doesn't play ball, the schedule could shift. So keep an eye out, commuters and visitors alike, delays are coming, and they might stick around longer than anyone hopes."
