MARIPOSA COUNTY – A stretch of Highway 140 that was closed for about seven hours due to the recent storm has reopened, according to Caltrans.
Caltrans had announced a preemptive closure of State Route 140 in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar beginning Wednesday, Mar. 6 at approximately 12:30 p.m. due to an ongoing storm they believed could impact the roadway.
After the storm passed, Caltrans crews cleared debris and inspected the road before reopening it to traffic on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. By the time the job was done, crews hauled away more than 150 cubic yards of debris flow material and removed one large oak tree from the roadway, according to the Midpines crew today.
The closure was scheduled for the sake of public safety, say officials, and the estimated time of opening is dependent upon the impact of the weather.
This 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.
Risks for this stretch of roadway in storm conditions include mudslides and the movement of debris and rocks onto highway lanes.
To stay current on this closure, and other news regarding the impact this storm is having on transportation, please follow District 10 on Twitter (@CaltransDist10).
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.
