Sonoma County will reopen North Fitch Mountain Road on Friday, Oct. 10 at noon, restoring safe access after years of landslide damage and storm-related closures. The project marks the third priority storm-recovery road repair project to be completed this year, delivering long-term strength and reliability for residents, visitors and emergency responders.

“The North Fitch Mountain community has shown incredible patience and resilience through years of storm impacts and road closures,” said Supervisor James Gore. “This project reflects our shared commitment to doing it right — restoring safe emergency access while ensuring residents and visitors alike can once again rely on this vital road.”

The Fitch Mountain corridor has faced repeated landslides, with damage made worse by last winter’s storms. Two major failures required extensive reconstruction:

• Slump site: Saturated soil caused the roadbed to sink 4–5 feet. Crews installed uphill drainage to capture runoff and redirect it safely.
• Slide site: An oversaturated slope collapsed, destabilizing the embankment. Contractors rebuilt the slope and added gabion walls — large rock-filled wire baskets that hold slopes in place while allowing water to drain — a strong, long-lasting solution against erosion.

Both fixes are low-maintenance, durable improvements designed to withstand future storms.

“The North Fitch Mountain community has been our partner every step of the way since 2017,” said Johannes J. Hoevertsz, Director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure. “Their patience and support have been invaluable, and we’re proud to deliver a safe, reliable road that serves residents, visitors and emergency responders alike.”

The reopening of North Fitch Mountain Road follows the completion of Westside Road on Aug. 28 and West Soda Rock Lane on Oct. 3. One of two repair sites on Cavedale Road is now finished, though the road will remain closed until the second site is complete. Wohler Bridge work continues through Oct. 15 and will resume in 2026, while Giovanetti Road is in design, with construction also slated for 2026.

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Media Contact:
Matt Brown, County Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403