RIDGECREST – (INT) – Getting around and through the earthquake zone is being expedited as repairs shift into high gear.

Caltrans is spending $3.1 million for permanent repairs on Highway 178. Work began Monday and was expected to be finished by the end of the week.

There were three locations in a 4-mile stretch east of Ridgecrest where the pavement had cracked or separated. Rock slides also damaged the road 6-miles east of Ridgecrest.

During the repairs, pilot cars are escorting motorists one-way at a time.

Caltrans engineers evaluated all bridges and drainage culverts in the area and have determined all routes are safe.

Residents in the quake zone are urged to report damage or specific needs to the San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Center at 909-356-3998 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The most powerful of the two quakes created a massive crack in the Earth that was visible from space. Satellite images provided to INT by Planet Labs, Inc. show a crack has formed in the area close to the epicenter.

Story Date: July 10, 2019