YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park road crews have begun clearing debris caused by a rockfall at 5:45 a.m. Thursday morning, Jan., 7, that closed the El Portal Road (Highway 140) in Yosemite National Park. The work to clear the road could take several days. There is no anticipated day or time for the road to reopen.
The rockfall triggered several large boulders and debris to land blocking access to Yosemite Valley via Highway 140. Park staff and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) staff assessed the site earlier today and deemed it safe for park personnel to begin removing the rocks and debris.
“The National Park Service realizes the critical nature of the Highway 140 entrance into the park,” stated Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. “We are working diligently to get the road work safely accomplished.”
All services within Yosemite National Park remain open and operational. The park remains accessible via entrances along Highways 41 and 120. All roads within Yosemite Valley are also open. Lodging and other services in El Portal remain open and accessible.
There are currently chain restrictions in place on many roads within Yosemite National Park. All drivers, including those with four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, must carry chains when entering a designated chain control area.
For the most current road conditions, please call 209-372-0200. Press option “1” and then “1” again to go directly to the road conditions report.
