Northern California - Carquinez Scenic Drive. Need accurate, up to date info.

I'll be in Pinole on Christmas morning and I'm thinking of going for a ride to Martinez along the Carquinez scenic drive. I may make it a one-way to my brother-in-law's house in Walnut Creek where xmas dinner will happen.

Anyway, I was wondering ...

1. I know that a section of the road is closed, but passable for bikes and pedestrians. Is it presently passable as such?

2. How illegal is it to enter the closed area?

3. If I do the ride on Christmas day, and it rains on the previous day, would it be advised to put cross tires on my Surly or keep the road tires?

4. How much car traffic?

Thanks a million.

I rode it this morning. No problems. There is one section of about 15 feet where the road is completely washed away and you must ride a very narrow dirt track, but otherwise it's all paved and in fair shape.

I passed a few rangers today, so you shouldn't have any problems. The road is closed to cars (and impassable for cars due to the worst washout), but is on public land and should be open for all. There were a few other bikers, some runners, and some dog walkers out today.

Since the road is closed and impassable for cars, you should so essentially no traffic between Martinez and Crockett. Well, maybe a car or two near Port Costa, and some people heading to or from the makeshift trailhead at the start of the closed section near Martinez.

A wonderful ride, I strongly recommend it.

It is legal and open for cyclists and cars.
I ride on my road bike with narrow tires and have no problems. Worst case, if the short dirt area did go totally muddy it would be a very short carry ove rit.
It's a very nice ride. Enjoy.