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

February 1, 2019 - MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is planning a pre-emptive closure of State Route 140 in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar beginning at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019. This is due to an ongoing storm that could impact the roadway, and the closure is scheduled for the sake of public safety.

The estimated time of opening is dependent upon the impact of the weather. This closure will take 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.

Risks for this stretch of roadway in storm conditions include mudslides and the movement of debris, such as rocks, onto highway lanes.

Caltrans crews will close the road when the storm begins. After the storm has passed, Caltrans crews will clear any debris and inspect the road before reopening it to traffic.

To stay current on this closure, and other news regarding the impact the storm is having on transportation, please follow District 10 Twitter (@CaltransDist10) and download the Caltrans QuickMap app to your phone. You may also call 1-800-427-7623 for highway conditions.

This closure is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and other issues.
Source: Caltrans