YOSEMITE — After being closed for nearly three weeks for major repairs, Highway 41 into Yosemite reopened yesterday afternoon to one-way traffic. However, Highway 120 remains closed due to severe road damage.
Yosemite National Park continues work to repair the Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Highway 120 ) leading to Yosemite Valley. Severe winter storms have impacted the road and it has been unsafe for vehicular travel since late February.
The Park is working with Federal Highway Administration officials and contractors to completely assess the situation and design and implement repair work. There is no estimated date for the road to reopen.
Significant rain and snow this winter has saturated the soils, resulting in soils under the road sliding downhill. This movement caused a large fissure to form in the roadway that has resulted in both lanes of traffic being unsafe for vehicles. Soils continue to move, causing further damage to the roadway. Over 200 feet of roadway has been impacted.
“We pledge to work diligently on the repair and communicate regularly about progress that is made,” stated Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Woody Smeck. “We know this road closure places a burden on the surrounding communities and we are working as quickly as we can to get the road reopened safely. We appreciate the Federal Highway Administration’s assistance in expediting this project. We greatly appreciate the patience and support of all communities along the Highway 120 corridor.”
Visitors are still able to visit parts of Yosemite National Park via the Big Oak Flat entrance. Crane Flat and the Merced and Tuolumne Groves of Giant Sequoias are accessible and open. The park has waived the entrance fee for visitors entering via Highway 120. Park entrance fees still apply to all visitors entering the park via the Arch Rock and South Entrance Stations.
The Wawona Road (Highway 41) is currently open to one-lane controlled traffic.
Highway 140 (El Portal Road) remains open and clear for all vehicular traffic. Visitors traveling on this road are urged to drive with caution and be aware of rocks and debris on the road.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again.
