May 16, 2024 - TUOLUMNE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will formally reopen Sonora Pass on State Route 108 today at 3:00 p.m. after five weeks of snow removal operations. Our District 10 Long Barn and District 9 Sonora Junction Maintenance crews made great progress clearing Sonora Pass this season exceeding our annual goal of reopening State Route 108 prior to Memorial Day.

Sonora Pass, at 9,624 feet of elevation, is the second highest point on the state highway system maintained by Caltrans. The highway was formally closed for the winter season on January 2, 2024, at the Sno-Park on State Route 108 just north of Strawberry. Our District 10 Long Barn crew began their snow removal operations in early April at the Sno-Park, approximately 28 miles to the summit, and worked 10 hours a day, 7 days a week encountering snow levels of 10-16ft in locations along with several down trees and debris

Caltrans top priority is ensuring the safety of the traveling public and our workers along with supporting the economic vitality of our local communities. We are pleased to reopen State Route 108 for the season without incident and to allow early public access for recreation activities along Sonora Pass.

Caltrans urges motorists to still use caution while driving the Sierra Mountain pass routes and watch for icy road surfaces in the overnight and early morning hours. For the latest highway conditions visit Quickmap.dot.ca.gov, download our QuickMap mobile app, tune your car radio to Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM, or call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert and Move Over to give Caltrans maintenance crews room to work.


Source: Caltrans