SR-243 Update: Access To Idyllwild Limited Due To Storm Damage

IDYLLWILD, CA — The morning after a storm devastated two Riverside County highways that connects the mountain town of Idywilld to the rest of the world, crews are assessing the damage and working on some repairs— though it may be some time before everything is back open.

At least three sections of State Route 243 between Banning and Idyllwild were compromised because of storm runoff, Caltrans District 8 spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said. Storm runoff opened a massive sinkhole that washed away most of the pavement in one section, as pictured above.

• SEE ALSO: SR-243 Washed Away In Torrential Rains: PHOTOS

The mountain highway was closed to through traffic and likely will remain out of service for the rest of the month, Caltrans officials said.

State Route 74 was also closed on Thursday, as rushing waters compromised a bridge and washed out sections of that roadway.

As of Friday morning, the 74 was open from the Lake Hemet/Palm Desert side headed up to Mountain Center, according to the CHP.

"From there, SR 243 northbound is open all the way into Idyllwild and through to Pine Cove," the agency said. "Southbound SR-243 out of Idyllwild requires a detour on Saunders Meadow Road, but it’s passable."

— Image via Caltrans