Murphy Road closed as county awaits weekend rain

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV): UPDATE ON DEC. 30 AT 10:39 AM: Murphy Road has been closed again as a preventive safety measure announced Monterey County Friday.

The county expects the Pajaro River to spill over with the coming rain in the low-lying crossing, making it unsafe for drivers. Multiple agencies are also monitoring culverts, and they have been cleaned.

The county also says Bolsa Knolls roads have been cleared of silt and debris. Additional sand and sandbags have also been delivered.

Monterey County Public Works says they will respond rapidly if any need arises.

UPDATE ON DEC. 28 AT 1:04 PM: Murphy Road has been reopened as water levels have decreased on the Pajaro River.

Officials say that the road is expected to be closed this Friday, but it is too soon to predict if a closure will occur.

ORIGINAL STORY

Monterey County officials announced on Wednesday that Murphy Road would be closed due to the overflow of water in the Pajaro River.

There is no estimated timeline for when the road will reopen. County officials told KION that the road could be closed until next week with rain scheduled to hit the area over the next week.

Nick Pasculli, the Monterey County Communications Director, said they would monitor the conditions daily.

Pasculli says that drivers are asked to avoid the area and drive safely. Closure and detour signs are in place.