CALTRANS ANNOUNCES WINTER ROAD CLOSURES
ALPINE, TUOLUMNE, MONO & INYO COUNTIES – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed several of its mountain roads for the winter season. The following highways entered a seasonal closure at 7:00 am this morning:- State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass)
- State Route 89 (Monitor Pass)
- State Route 108 (Sonora Pass)
- State Route 120 W to Yosemite
- State Route 120 E (Mono Mills Road)
- State Route 158 N (North June Lake Loop)
- State Route 270 (Bodie Road)
- State Route 168 W at Aspendell
Yosemite National Park has also closed Tioga Pass for the winter. State Route 203 at Mammoth Mountain closed for the season earlier this fall.
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 road repairs so the highways can reopen in the spring.
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.
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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.
