Vandalism and Theft Slow Critical Rockslide Repairs on Highway 36 Near Grizzly Creek

Months of emergency work on Highway 36 are being disrupted by a wave of theft and vandalism, Caltrans announced this week.

The slide area, located near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, has required constant attention since a series of March storms sent trees, boulders, and mud crashing onto the roadway. But crews say criminal activity is now making a difficult job even harder.

According to Caltrans District 1, thieves have targeted multiple pieces of heavy equipment at the site — including an excavator, a skip loader, and electronic message boards — stealing fuel and batteries worth thousands of dollars. Other equipment has been broken into, with ignition systems destroyed, and a message sign on a separate Route 36 project was even struck by gunfire last year. Each incident delays repairs and increases project costs.

CHP, which handles property crimes involving state equipment and contractors, says these cases are unfortunately common and often go unsolved. Both agencies are urging anyone who sees suspicious activity to call 911.

The ongoing slide has caused repeated closures and long delays for residents in eastern Humboldt County. Earlier this year, a contractor employee was killed by falling debris while working the site, highlighting the dangerous conditions crews face.

A full road closure is scheduled this weekend from 8 a.m. Saturday, December 6, through 6 p.m. Sunday, December 7, to allow helicopter operations to remove hazardous material — pending weather. Outside of that window, one-way traffic control will continue with delays of up to 15 minutes.