Help is on the way for drivers passing through Marysville. It’s been more than a month since a historic hotel burned down, closing Highway 70. (Previous coverage in the video player above) On Thursday, Cal Trans opened the southbound lanes, saying they were safe for drivers. After the fire, city leaders closed the road along Highway 70 and E Street because of the threat of the hotel collapsing. “I was so happy to see Highway 70 southbound open,” said Melody Mihalik. Mahalik was relieved to see the lanes open because she drives from Brown Valley to Rancho Cordova. She said it will cut her commute time by 40 minutes. “This closure is terrible for all the businesses but also for everyone who lives here and anyone who comes through,” she said. The 7-11 on E and 5th streets, which is across from the historic hotel, has struggled since the building burned down and closed on June 15. “Just closing, we lost about 75 percent of our business,” said Igbal Gill, owner of the 7-11. The city closed the street because of the danger of the unstable structure, which is now surrounded by high fences and barricades in case it collapses. Gill said it’s been very quiet, and he’s using his own money to pay his payroll. But with the southbound lanes moving again, he said customers will return. “At least it’s a really positive thing that’s happened, at least we’re seeing some traffic,” Gill said. Just a few blocks from the hotel fire is D Street, which will be closed for the next two days for the 24th Annual Marysville Peach Festival. Organizers hope the visitors will bring more visitors to businesses that have been struggling due to the fire. “There’s an unprecedented amount of traffic coming through here, traffic is nonstop and businesses are hurting right now,” said festival organizer Kary Hauck. Hauck said opening the southbound 70 Freeway the day before the Peach Festival is perfect timing. “I think it helps alleviate some of the detours in the congestion that we have downtown,” Hauck said. “I think it’ll make it easier for festival-goers to get around the festival site.” They expect 25,000 people to come to buy peaches and help businesses. Organizers said they did have to make some adjustments because of the hotel fire and street closures. The festival moved two blocks north, from Third to Eighth streets. Cal Trans has not said when Highway 70 northbound will open.
Assistance is being provided to drivers traveling through Marysville.
It’s been more than a month since a historic hotel burned down, closing Highway 70.
(Previous coverage is in the video player above)
On Thursday, Cal Trans opened the southbound lanes, saying it was safe for drivers.
After the fire, city leaders closed roads along Highway 70 and E Street because of the threat of the hotel collapsing.
“I was very excited when I saw the southbound 70 freeway open,” said Melody Mihalik.
Mahalik was relieved by the opening, as he drives from Brown Valley to Rancho Cordova. He said the trip would take 40 minutes.
“This closure is terrible for all the businesses, but also for everyone who lives here and anyone who comes,” he said.
The 7-11 store on E and 5th streets, located across from the historic hotel, has struggled since the building burned down and closed on June 15.
“Just closing, we lost about 75 percent of our business,” said 7-11 owner Igbal Gill.
The city closed the street because of the danger of the unstable building, now surrounded by high fences and barricades in case it collapses.
Gill said things were very slow, and he was using his own money to pay salaries.
But with the southern route back in operation, he said customers would return.
“At least it’s a very positive thing, at least we can see the traffic congestion,” Gill said.
Just a few blocks from the hotel fire site is D Street, which will be closed for the next two days for the 24th Annual Marysville Peach Festival. Organizers hope the crowds will bring more visitors to businesses struggling with the fire.
“There’s an unprecedented amount of traffic coming through here, the traffic is non-stop and businesses are hurting right now,” said festival organizer Kary Hauck.
Hauck said opening the southbound lane of 70 the day before the Peach Festival is perfect timing.
“I think it helps reduce some of the barriers that exist downtown,” Hauck said. “I think it will make it easier for festival-goers to get around the festival grounds.”
They estimate 25,000 people will come to pick peaches and help the business.
Organizers said they had to make some adjustments due to the hotel fire and road closures.
The festival moved north two blocks, from Third to Eighth streets.
Cal Trans has not said when northbound Highway 70 will open.
