Home Contra Costa County County Provides Update on Closure of Morgan Territory Road, Community Meeting Scheduled

County Provides Update on Closure of Morgan Territory Road, Community Meeting Scheduled

by ECT

A slide on Morgan Territory Road continues to block traffic, water and garbage services to approximately 200 residents in the Morgan Territory area.

There is no access to Marsh Creek Road via Morgan Territory Road from south of Oak Hill Lane.  All traffic will need to access Morgan Territory Road from Manning Road and Livermore Avenue via Alameda County. Water services remain off to all residents south of the slide, and a few residents north of the slide.

EXTENSIVE UPDATES BELOW:

MORGAN TERRITORY ROAD REPAIR:

At this time, Contra Costa County Public Works cannot provide an estimate as to when the roadway will reopen.

The ground at the site has continued to move, preventing repair of the road and water main. Geotechnical engineers are examining the area and will be installing monitoring equipment to determine when the site is safe for workers to begin construction. The timeline of the repair is unknown due to the level of geological uncertainty.

The current detour is use of Morgan Territory to the south at the closure point. This rural one lane road is not ideal for continued detour traffic with multiple small bridges and culvert crossings. The hillsides throughout the area are saturated. Residents using this route are encouraged to use extreme caution when using this route.

Public Works is currently working to make as many improvements on the roadway as possible. These include work on the small bridges, clearing culverts, cleaning up debris left from recent storm events and stabilizing shoulders where vehicles can pull into wide spots throughout the detour.

The County will be adding additional signing, striping and traffic control devices on the north side of the closure to ensure that County crews, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) repair crews and emergency responders can access areas necessary to respond and repair facilities. We ask that residents parking in these areas adhere to the signage.

The County is reviewing all options for alternative access routes to the north to bypass the slide area and is in communications with local property owners and agencies. We will report if and when we can establish a viable alternative route.

Public Works can be contacted directly at (925) 313-7000.

WATER MAIN REPAIR:

Water service continues to be down in the area. Free bottled water is available for residents on both sides of the slide area.

The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is working to deploy a six-inch temporary bypass line that will stretch across the slide area.

Service will be restored to those north of the slide first. Then, CCWD will complete installation of the bypass a few days later, providing service to those south of the slide.

CCWD will provide residents with a “Return To Service” notification once the bypass line is installed and water quality tests are cleared.

A permanent water main repair will occur once it is safe to begin road repair.

Up to date information on water access can be found here and here.

TRASH SERVICE ALTERNATIVES:

Republic Services is unable to access all properties south of 3131 Morgan Territory Road.

The company will deliver a 20-yard debris box for residents to deposit trash until service can be restored. The box will be located on the north side of the slide at 3141 Morgan Territory Road. Republic will call all effected residents with further details.

More information is available by contacting Republic Services online or at 925-685-4711. Our office is in communication with Republic staff to explore additional options to restore service to the south side of the slide.

ELECTRICITY, PHONE & PROPANE SERVICE:

PG&E overhead lines sustained damage and power was disrupted the afternoon and evening of February 25, 2017. Power was restored by PG&E early morning of February 26, 2017. PG&E indicated approximately 230 customers were impacted by the outage. PG&E is taking action to minimize future potential disruptions in service within the area.

Residents have reported that Campora and Kamps Propane services will continue delivery to the south side of the slide. No residents have reported issues with telephone or internet services.

SCHOOLS & POSTAL SERVICE:

The District 3 office is in communication with Superintendent Nellie Meyer of Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier to resolve any constituent issues with the postal service or access to local schools.

EMERGENCY FIRE & MEDICAL SERVICES REMAIN FUNCTIONAL:

Emergency fire and medical services remain functional with only minor delays. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, CALFIRE and San Ramon Fire are working together to provide reliable services.

An ambulance, fire truck and sheriff deputy are posted on the south side of the slide to guarantee quick access to the area.

In the event of a minor medical emergency, individuals will be brought across or around the slide area to a vehicle on the north side of the slide. In a major medical emergency, CALFIRE will airlift the individual out of the area.

In an emergency, call 911 or the Sheriff Dispatch Center at (925) 646-2441.

PEDESTRIAN ROUTES

Although Morgan Territory Road remains semi-accessible via foot, Public Works staff strongly urge residents to avoid walking on the slide area to prevent additional damage and avoid injury.

Alternative pedestrian routes exist, including a horse trail accessible along Morgan Territory Lane and Oak Hill Lane. A group of neighbors is working to upgrade and mark the area. More details will be shared once available.

WATER FOR LIVESTOCK & HORSES

Residents and ranchers can contact Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) if they require assistance for any animal related concerns.

Issues that can be addressed by CCAS include:

  • Feeding and watering animals and livestock, if the owner is unable to do so
  • Impounding escaped and stray animals and livestock
  • Responding to animal bites or aggressive animals

If you are in need of these services, please contact Contra Costa Animal Services at 925-608-8400. In the event of a life threatening emergency, please call 911.

Animal Services staff is actively compiling information on the number of animals and livestock in the area. They will continue to work with the community, County departments and other agencies that are responding to this incident.

There have also been reports of private property owners and horse organizations donating free well or tank water. For more information, contact your neighbors or visit the Morgan Territory Neighbors Facebook Group.

COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION & COORDINATION

The County of Contra Costa will continue to post updates online here. Enterprising residents have also created the Morgan Territory Neighbors Facebook Group and Marsh Morgan NextDoor Page to quickly share information and updates. Please check these sites to stay in touch with your neighbors and receive timely updates.
COMMUNITY MEETING

Residents of the area can attend either of two community meetings. Representatives from involved agencies and our office will be on site to answer your questions:

Thursday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
Diablo View Middle School Multi-Use Room
300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton

The County is reaching out to various property owners and other organizations to find a location for another meeting the weekend of March 4-5 in the Morgan Territory neighborhood for residents that aren’t able to attend the meeting on March 2.

As soon as the second meeting date and time are established, it will be posted on the county website and in this newsletter.

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