YOSEMITE – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol re-opened State Route 140 in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar just after 6:30 a.m. this morning.
SR-140, which was shut down just after 7 p.m. last night, was closed for more than 11 hours. This was due to an ongoing storm that impacted the roadway.
The closure was implemented for the sake of public safety, says Caltrans.
The closure took place for approximately 17 miles from Bear Creek near Midpines to Foresta Road in El Portal – approximately 4 miles west of the Yosemite National Park entrance.
Crews hauled away approximately 50 yards of rock and other debris from the roadway and are working on clearing a plugged culvert. There was also debris flow across the road at or near the Yosemite National Park entrance.
Wawona Road, El Portal Road from El Portal to Yosemite Valley, and the Big Oak Flat Road have also been reopened.
Caltrans would like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience and cooperation during this process. Please remember to read up on Caltrans’ Winter Driving Tips before you hit the road at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
For the latest road information inside Yosemite call 209-372-0200 push 1, then push 1 again.
