TRAFFIC ADVISORY
UPDATE #2: Crews Continue to Make Progress on State Route 140
January 21, 2023 - MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to make progress clearing a rockslide that occurred on Sunday, January 15, 2023, and temporarily closed State Route 140 near Briceburg in Mariposa County.
Caltrans has initiated an Emergency Director’s Order to safely clear the slide, stabilize the slope, and make necessary road repairs. Route 140 will remain closed until the slope can be stabilized enough to safely allow traffic to pass through the area.
Crews are working seven days a week, from sun up to sun down. Today, excavators continued knocking down overhanging rocks from the slope. More heavy equipment will break large rocks into manageable pieces before trucks haul away the material.
At this point, there is no change to the two-week estimate when Route 140 will be fully reopened in both directions. Caltrans is working as safely and expeditiously as possible to reopen the highway sooner.
Safety is Caltrans’ top priority. The possibility of employing one-way traffic control or escorting traffic prior to reopening both directions of Route 140 is being considered, but only would be enacted if safe for the traveling public.
Route 140 currently is closed from the Bug Hostel to Cedar Lodge between Midpines and El Portal. Motorists currently are being turned around at the closure points.
Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.
This work and the schedule are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment, and/or materials and construction related issues.
Motorists can access Yosemite National Park on State Route 120 West or Route 41 South.
Heavy precipitation from a series of winter storms in the region destabilized the slope and caused the slide.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.
Visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623 (ROAD) for road information.
Follow District 10 for updates on Facebook (@caltransdistrict10), Twitter (@caltransdist10), and Instagram (@caltrans_district10).
For Yosemite National Park operations information, contact Scott Gediman, Chief of Media Relations for Yosemite National Park, at scott_gediman@nps.gov or 209-742- 3519.
Source & photo: Caltrans
