FISH CAMP — Highway 41 is temporarily closed in both directions near the south gate of Yosemite National Park, as crews wait for a break in the weather in order to continue assessment of a seriously compromised roadway, following a series of storms.
“SR-41 is officially closed in both directions where the shoulder washout occurred,” says Caltrans spokeman Cory Burkarth.
“This morning crews noticed the roadway in the area had started to sink and so Caltrans was turning away large heavy equipment including tour buses, tractor trailers, delivery trucks and construction equipment. We continued to let residential and business traffic in, and cars and pickup trucks to pass through. Within the last little bit of time there was a hail storm in the area, and we decided the conditions were no longer safe enough to keep the roadway open, so we have closed it in the interest of public safety.”
Plows, equipment, and engineers are in the area right now, adds Burkarth. It’s anticipated that the road will be closed for at least several days.
On Thursday, Feb. 9, CHP reported that one-way traffic control was in place on Highway 41 in the Fish Camp area just south of Yosemite National Park’s south gate, due to the roadway having been compromised following heavy rains.
CHP is currently reporting that the roadway will tentatively reopen Friday, Mar. 10, and that date is subject to change.
UPDATE: 3 p.m. Caltrans says the road could open to one-way traffic as early as next week, weather permitting.
This is an active scene. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Photos courtesy of Oakhurst CHP, dated Feb. 9, 2017
5 p.m.: UPDATED STORY BELOW
