March 22, 2015 - Caltrans hosted a Ferguson Project Kick-off on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Ferguson Rock Slide in the Merced River Canyon of Mariposa County.
With severe parking limitations at the rock slide YARTS provided three buses to transport people from Mariposa and El Portal.
Dennis Agar, Caltrans District 10 Director welcomed everyone to the Ferguson Project Kick-off. He said about 113,000 tons of loose rock will be removed from the canyon that occurred during the 2006 Ferguson Rock Slide in the Merced River Canyon on Highway 140. The $133 Million dollar project of talus removal and the construction of the rock shed will restore permanent access to Yosemite National Park utilizing Highway 140.
Les James and other members of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation provided blessings through songs for the safety of the people and respect for the land and water. Les James said this is a special day for all of us.
Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said he is in the best place in California because of the scenery and being on the doorstep of Yosemite National Park. The Director said this is only the second rock shed to built in California. The first one is on Highway 1 near Big Sur. The Ferguson Project at 750 feet will be longer than the Big Sur rock shed. Mr. Dougherty said this is the first time they are using a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC). Using this arrangement allows the team to work together in the design phase to find solutions to problems that may arise. The two construction companies working on this contract are Myers and Sons and R.L. Wadsworth. The Director said we would not be here if A.B. 1793 did not get passed. A.B. 1793 was carried by Representative Kristin Olsen. The Director said people will remember this rock shed structure and it will be a new landmark.
Rosemarie Smallcombe, Mariposa County District One Supervisor said the Merced River Canyon is a very special place. She said Congress realized this in 1987 when they designated this section of the Merced River to be under the Wild and Scenic Act. The Supervisor said Highway 140 is the All Weather Highway into Yosemite National Park. She said the rock shed will respect the scenic beauty of the area along with the culture and history.
Scott Gediman, Yosemite National Park Assistant Superintendent, Public and Legislative Affairs said this corridor is important for Yosemite because of the year round access. He said Caltrans has been incredible to work with and "Lets get the project started."
Dennis Agar said thanks to YARTS, visitors do not have to drive to Yosemite and can enjoy the scenic route and beauty of the Sierra National Forest.
State and National representatives who addressed the audience were Mary Alice Kaloostian; representing State Senator Tom Berryhill and Assemblymember Frank Bigelow and Paul Zeek; representing Minority Leader of the California State Assembly, Kristin Olsen who presented Caltrans with a Certificate of Recognition.
For more information:
Ferguson Project Presentation to the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors by Caltrans
Mariposa County Ferguson Slide Permanent Restoration Project to Begin Spring 2015
Sierra Sun Times: The Ferguson Rockslide Timeline
(Some links may not work)
YARTS provided three buses to transport people from Mariposa and El Portal
Bright sunshine in the canyon made for a warm day
'Tossing of the Rocks'
Feguson Rock Slide with a portion of Highway 140 in the foreground
Ready to move some rock!
A rendering of the rock shed
One of the two temporary bridges that will be removed when the rock shed is completed
