MADERA COUNTY – Highway 41 remains closed through the Rocky Cut area between Highway 145 and Road 200, and will likely remain so throughout the day as the hillside is assessed.
The road was closed late yesterday afternoon after large boulders came crashing down into the northbound lane following weeks of heavy rain.
As of 9 a.m. this morning, Caltrans officials tell us that geologists are en route from Sacramento to assess the stability of the steep rock walls that jut up just feet from the traffic lanes on both sides of the road.
“Safety is our number one concern,” said Caltrans spokesperson Elizabeth Yelton, who noted that the decision on when to reopen the roadway will be based on the recommendation of the geologists.
There may be stabilization work necessary, said Yelton, and there is no timeline on how long that may take. The team from Sacramento is expected to arrive at the scene by about noon today.
A hard closure is in place northbound at Highway 145 and southbound at Road 200.
Use the detour below to avoid the area.
