Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

April 26, 2018 - Our newest pilot program  to address traffic congestion at Arch Rock Entrance will begin today. The program will be tested on Highway 140 on Thursday, April 26, to Sunday, April 29, and on Thursday, May 3, to Sunday, May 6, 2018. This pilot is an initiative to test a new way to pace and send vehicles to Arch Rock Entrance. The ultimate goal of this pilot is to relocate traffic backups out of an area with higher rockfall risk, give emergency vehicles the ability to bypass traffic, and enable administrative vehicles to reduce their travel time, thus increasing operational efficiency of the park.

Please review the following information for how it might specifically impact your commute:

Dates and Times:

• The program will run from Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 29, and on Thursday, May 3, through Sunday, May 6, 2018.

• The anticipated times of operation are from approximately 9:00 am–2:00 pm, the busiest period for vehicles entering the park.

• On Saturday, April 28, the pilot will start later (approximately 10:00 am) to accommodate the El Portal annual Spring Run-off event.

• During the weekdays, construction will continue near Dog Rock during this pilot project. Traffic management will be doing their best to coordinate the timing of metering with the pulsing of vehicles through this construction area.

Authorized User Bypass:

• All vehicles with government license plates, with commercial use authorizations, and with valid entry stickers will be authorized to use the bypass. Those authorized to use the bypass will be permitted to turn left from Highway 140 onto Foresta Road by the NPS El Portal Complex. Authorized users will re-connect with Highway 140 by the El Portal Post Office. This will allow authorized users to detour around the metered public traffic. For those using the bypass, please use extra caution and remember to obey the posted speed limits. Foresta Road travels through residential areas; there could be children at play. Foresta Road will be patrolled to monitor to speed and safety.

Safety or More Information:

• Please also use extra caution when approaching the Arch Rock Entrance. Obey all posted speed limit and stop signs and be on the lookout for entrance staff working in the road.

• For the official FAQs, please refer to the YOSE NPS site here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bypass.htm

• For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again.
  Source: NPS
  
  Related Information:  Yosemite National Park Launches Pilot Program To Address Traffic Congestion - Program Aimed To Improve Visitor Access On The Highway 140 Corridor in Mariposa County