Highway 101 Reopening — 13 Days After California Mudslides

MONTECITO, CA -- California's Highway 101 will reopen by Monday morning, nearly two weeks after deadly mudslides covered the community of Montecito, damaging hundreds of homes and killing at least 21 people.

Caltrans, the state's department of transportation, said they expect to open the popular highway before the Monday morning commute.

"Our hard-working crews continue on site this weekend to ensure the highway is safe for travelers," Caltrans wrote on Facebook. "Like always, thanks for your patience, cooperation and keep Montecito victims in your thoughts and actions moving forward."

Officials were forced to close about seven miles of the highway after mud and debris cover the roads following the Jan. 9 mudslides, which came just weeks after the Thomas Fire scorched through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It's estimated that 79,000 cars traveled through the highway in Santa Barbara County each day.

Officials also announced this weekend that rescuers had discovered the body of the 21st victim of the mudslides. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officials announced that the body of 28-year-old Faviola Benitez Calderon was found around 10 a.m. Saturday.

Two more people, 2-year-old Lydia Sutthithepa and 17-year-old Jack Cantin, remain missing.

Photo: In this Jan. 13, 2018, file photo, crews work on clearing Highway 101 in the aftermath of a mudslide in Montecito, Calif. Officials say the possibility of future catastrophic floods will be in mind as Montecito rebuilds following deadly mudslides that devastated the wealthy coastal hideaway. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)