Agency Looking To Hire Equipment Operators To Help Winter Operations

December 16, 2021 - ALPINE, TUOLUMNE, MONO, INYO COUNTIES – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed several of its mountain roads in Alpine, Tuolumne, Mono, and Inyo counties for the winter.

The following roads closed for the season at 7:00 a.m. this morning:
• State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass)
• State Route 89 (Monitor Pass)
• State Route 108 (Sonora Pass)
• State Route 120 E to Yosemite
• State Route 120 W (Mono Mills Road)
• State Route 158 N (North June Lake Loop)
• State Route 270 (Bodie Road)
• State Route 168 W at Aspendell

The National Park Service has also closed Tioga Pass in Yosemite for the winter.

The recent storms, and accumulation of snow, make the seasonal closures necessary for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews. The weather conditions on the passes and subsequent road conditions are among the determining factors in the decision to make the seasonal closure. Once the passes are closed for the winter, they will not be reopened until conditions warrant it. Each year, Caltrans crews work diligently to clear debris, remove snow, and make highway repairs in order for the highways to reopen by Memorial Day Weekend.

For the latest road condition information, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM, or 1670 AM or call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real-time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

Changeable Message Signs with flashing beacons will have information regarding the pass closures.

Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should expect the worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in areas subject to hazardous conditions. All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, must carry chains when traveling during snowy weather.

Drivers without chains in their possession may not be allowed to proceed. When highway signs indicate that chains are required, drivers must stop and install chains or risk being cited and fined.

CHAIN CONTROL REQUIREMENT LEVELS:
No Restrictions - Watch for snow on the pavement.
R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES - no exceptions.

CALTRANS IS LOOKING TO HIRE EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Caltrans is hiring multiple positions, including heavy equipment operators to help winter operations in Amador County (https://tinyurl.com/2p9abu6h), Calaveras County (https://tinyurl.com/mpd2hu7d), and Tuolumne County (https://tinyurl.com/2ejjcfze).

For more career opportunities, check https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/. For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Bob Gossman at 760-874-8332 or TTY 711.
Source: Caltrans