BajaNomad - Scenic highway updates (Ensenada-TJ)- early January 2016

Scenic highway updates (Ensenada-TJ)- early January 2016

Whale-ista - 1-7-2016 at 01:19 AM

For those considering driving in northern Baja, and using the scenic highway vs. inland route, a few updates:

In early January, after major rainstorms, one lane of the northbound Scenic Highway was closed due to debris. This is a short distance north of the tollbooth and is likely to continue as storms keep coming.

Nearby, road crews are cutting terraces into the slopes up the hill, far away from the road, presumably to avoid more rocks/boulders tumbling onto the highway.

This is the current situation. The rockfall is pretty constant along this stretch.

FYI: a friend who lives in Ensenada took the inland road during this storm, and reported large boulders coming down along that route also.

Bottom line: drive carefully on every road, and assume there will be debris following storm events.

David K - 1-7-2016 at 01:38 AM

Thank you!
How are you feeling?

bajasusan/a - 1-7-2016 at 09:02 AM

WHAT A HELPFUL POST! thank you so much. am thinking to drive my 18-foot rv from tijuana to rosarito this afternoon (thursday), when the rain is predicted to abate for a while. Anyone think that's a bad idea, please let me know. (and i promise to heed your advice better than i did during the Great AmEx Debate of 2015!)

bajasusan/a - 1-7-2016 at 09:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajasusan/a

WHAT A HELPFUL POST! thank you so much. am thinking to drive my 18-foot rv from tijuana to rosarito this afternoon (thursday), when the rain is predicted to abate for a while. Anyone think that's a bad idea, please let me know. (and i promise to heed your advice better than i did during the Great AmEx Debate of 2015!)

NOT gonna attempt today, after all, since the forecast has changed to include VERY heavy rain around noon in Tijuana. We will see what tomorrow brings...

Whale-ista - 1-7-2016 at 09:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Thank you!
How are you feeling?

Happy to help- I often take photos while driving to document road conditions. This year, it's really scary in places.

I took another sick day today- feeling a bit wobbly on my feet this morning when I work up.

I went in yesterday for initial doctor checkup, and finally had a deep sleep last night (first chance since accident) then woke up feeling vertigo/dizzy, so...going back to doctor soon.

Whale-ista - 1-7-2016 at 09:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajasusan/a

NOT gonna attempt today, after all, since the forecast has changed to include VERY heavy rain around noon in Tijuana. We will see what tomorrow brings...

Yesterday (Jan. 6), I drove the highway from Ensenada to TJ. It was in good shape, with minimal debris. Southbound you are away from the slopes & rocks (mostly).

Rain is getting lighter now- I think you will be OK.

But: Downtown/surface streets in TJ are a mess: water, mud, overflow from storm drains. Via Rapida along river was crazy. Avoid downtown near river.

Highway is ok, better design (& newer than most streets).

Be careful whatever you choose, and remember: even in good weather, many drivers in MX don't follow the same driving procedures as we are accustomed to NOB.

David K - 1-7-2016 at 10:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Thank you!
How are you feeling?

Seeing what your truck did to the Kia in Colonet, you did "absorb" a lot of energy/ shock wave!

bajasusan/a - 1-7-2016 at 10:07 AM

Yesterday (Jan. 6), I drove the highway from Ensenada to TJ. It was in good shape, with minimal debris. Southbound you are away from the slopes & rocks (mostly).

Rain is getting lighter now- I think you will be OK.

THANKS again. A friend in Rosarito just told me that the toll road is flooded by the convention center, tho...

bajaguy - 1-7-2016 at 10:14 AM

Yesterday (Wednesday1-6) took the free road from downtown TJ to and through Rosarito then onto the toll road. Rain, wind and shine, no problems, no flooding, no rocks.....YMMV

bajasusan/a - 1-7-2016 at 10:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy

Yesterday (Wednesday1-6) took the free road from downtown TJ to and through Rosarito then onto the toll road. Rain, wind and shine, no problems, no flooding, no rocks.....YMMV

Oh, JUST what I need--conflicting advice, like last time, and so i guess i have to be a big girl, make up my mind, and take the consequences of my choices! oh well, if i DO go, at least it's in a vehicle with a comfy bed in case i am stranded somewhere in those 28 kilometers!

Whale-ista - 1-7-2016 at 10:41 AM

you won't be stranded- there may be some water and rocks, but work crews are close at hand.

Scenic Highway Updates

Carlsbad Dave - 1-8-2016 at 11:04 AM

Driving down to Baja Country Club (south of Ensenada) next weekend (Jan. 15-17) and one of executives at the club tells me that quite a few roads are out on the way down. He's asking me to delay my trip. I noticed the forecast for next week is pretty good, no rain expected.
Can anyone give me an update on road conditions from TJ to Ensenada? Thanks,
Dave

David K - 1-8-2016 at 11:49 AM

Just as a general rule... a LOT of people need to use these roads in Baja and if one gets flooded or blocked, it is reopened or a detour is created very soon. A day delay after a reported washout should be enough time. Stay tuned to Baja Nomad to get the latest!

micah202 - 1-8-2016 at 12:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista

I often take photos while driving to document road conditions. This year, it's really scary in places.

....hmmm,,do you sometimes slow down quickly in order to catch a shot at intersections? :cool: