Many years ago when we first moved up to the mountains, I asked Caltrans why there aren’t guard rails on the curves of Highway 41 over Deadwood south of Oakhurst.
Their answer to me basically was that no one had died going off the edge and that a study needs to be done.
In the last few weeks there have been numerous accidents on Deadwood. And people have gone off the road and over the edge.
I have spoken with the Highway Patrol regarding one specific area, that has been cleared of trees. They checked with Caltrans and they said that they would put reflectors in that area. Somehow I don’t think that reflectors will keep a car from going over the edge and the trees are not there to catch a car.
This is a curve that concerns many of our citizens. I even know some people who will not drive on Deadwood if they have a choice. I have spoken to many friends, and there is a general concern for the people who use that road daily. The families that go to Fresno, those who work daily in the Valley and not to say anything of the tourists who drive big motor homes that they have never driven before going on mountain vacations. These are all our neighbors and friends.
Snow and ice are not uncommon on Deadwood. Please drive carefully.
I have spoken with San Yniquez Caltrans District 6, Fresno, 559-444-2518. He said that he has had a similar call.
