Highway 140 in the Merced River Canyon in Mariposa County
Credit: Caltrans

January 17, 2019 - MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol re-opened State Route 140 (SR-140) in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar just after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

SR-140, which was shut down just after 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, was closed for more than 11 hours. This was due to an ongoing storm that impacted the roadway.

The closure was implemented for the sake of public safety.

The closure took place for approximately 17 miles from Bear Creek near Midpines to Foresta Road in El Portal – approximately 4 miles west of the Yosemite National Park entrance.

Crews hauled away approximately 50 yards of rock and other debris from the roadway and are working on clearing a plugged culvert (underground drainage structure). There was also debris flow across the road at or near the Yosemite National Park entrance.

Caltrans would like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience and cooperation during this process. Please remember to read up on Caltrans’ Winter Driving Tips before you hit the road: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html .

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.
Source: Caltrans