June 21, 2019 - Caltrans maintains the historic route that allows travelers to step back in time to the Gold Rush era on State Route 49 (SR-49), the “Golden Chain Highway” that links the small mining towns that sprouted up during the gold rush of 1849.
Crews from the Coulterville yard have been picking up litter and mowing shoulders along both SR-49 and SR-132 in Tuolumne and Mariposa counties.
The work helps protect waterways from unwanted debris and gives motorists a safe place to pull off the road.
Crews mow in the early morning hours when temperatures are low and humidity is high for the lowest possible fire risk.
Following behind (not pictured) is a water tender/ attenuator truck capable of putting out any hotspots the mower creates to make sure that we are operating as safely as possible.
With all the road work happening this year, Caltrans would like to remind everyone to Be Work Zone Alert.
Check Caltrans’ QuickMap http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to see work zones in your area
The 295 mile route originates at SR-41 in Oakhurst (Madera County) and ends at SR-70 near Vinton in Plumas County.
In District 10, SR-49 traverses Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Amador Counties. SR-49 links the communities in the Sierra Nevada foothills known as the "Mother Lode" in California's Gold Country.
It is the "Main Street" for many Sierra Mountain towns and communities.
In addition to being used by Sierra Nevada commute traffic, SR-49 is also a highly desirable recreation and tourism route with considerable weekend traffic.
Check out Visit California for great adventures along the Golden Chain Highway!
Source: Caltrans
