July 4, 2026 – Calaveras County – Caltrans District 10 will soon begin a safety project to install an all way stop at the intersection of State Route 49 and Shaws Flat Road north of Sonora.

Construction will require one-way traffic control at the intersection on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

This safety project includes the installation of an All Way Stop Control (AWSC) with solar powered flashing beacons, “STOP AHEAD” warning signs, corresponding pavement markings, and “ALL WAY” plaques on each stop sign to indicate that all approaches must stop.

The goal of these improvements is to reduce the frequency and severity of broadside and other angle type crashes, which have been prevalent at this location. Caltrans’ research shows that converting a two way stop to an all way stop with flashing beacons can reduce total crashes by approximately 82 percent and reduce fatal and injury crashes by approximately 87 percent.

This intersection was identified through Caltrans’ routine statewide screening process for High Collision Concentration Locations. As a result, the District 10 Traffic Safety team conducted a detailed engineering investigation. It determined that an all way stop with flashing beacons is the most effective, research supported measure to improve safety at this time. Caltrans continues to investigate other long-term improvements for this location.

Source & photo: Caltrans