Highway 166 to reopen in SLO County after Madre Fire closure
Highway 166 was set to reopen on Tuesday evening after being temporarily closed to protect drivers from the Madre Fire, Caltrans said.
The fire sparked on Wednesday afternoon off Highway 166, expanding to engulf 80,615 acres with 35% containment by Tuesday, according to Cal Fire.
On Wednesday, July 2, Caltrans closed the highway from the junction with Highway 101 in Santa Maria to Perkins Road in New Cuyama.
The highway was scheduld to reopen to all traffic on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
“Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the fire area,” the Caltrans news release said. “Firefighters, heavy equipment and support crews may still be active along the roadway, and smoke may be visible.”
This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM.
