MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues its work on an emergency project rehabilitating and repairing both lanes of State Route 140 (SR-140) from Briceburg to Yosemite National Park.
The project includes the replacement and repair of culverts and underground drainage systems, removal of potentially hazardous trees and branches, and implementing slope stabilization measures after the Ferguson Fire burned through the area in summer 2018.
The Ferguson Fire started July 13, 2018, in Mariposa County and burned more than 96,900 acres, causing power outages, road damage and road closures. Burnt vegetation and trees have exposed slopes to erosion, mud flows, sand and rock falls.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 27, crews had replaced or repaired approximately eight culverts, installed erosion control devices, and completed nearly six miles of tree work and slope scaling. Slope scaling refers to measures taken on roadside slopes which help mitigate future mudslides and debris flow.
To this point, this project has incurred a total construction cost of approximately $2.3 million.
Work began in November 2018 and usually occurs from the morning until early evening. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.
One-way traffic control is in place and motorists should expect up to 20-minute delays. Full closures may be needed for short durations to protect public and worker safety.
The repair work is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/ or materials and construction related issues.
Caltrans has preemptively closed SR-140 in the area of the Ferguson Fire scar four times since November 2018 to prevent motorists from being on the road when potential mudslides or debris movements were likely to occur.
Caltrans would like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience and cooperation during this process.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please “Be Work Zone Alert.”
(Photos courtesy of Caltrans)
