U.S. 395 Reopened throughout Mono County
MONO COUNTY – As of 3:53 pm, Caltrans reopened the last closure on U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County from the junction with State Route 167 north of Lee Vining to the junction with State Route 182 in Bridgeport. Caltrans initially began closing the route last night around 7:00 pm due to heavy snow and ice on the highway, and avalanche concerns in Walker Canyon.
Though U.S. Highway 395 has reopened in Mono County, all vehicles should carry snow chains or other traction control devices when driving in chain control areas during the winter weather months. Chain control restrictions can change quickly as Caltrans crews continue to remove snow and ice from the roadway. When driving in areas where chain control restrictions have been implemented, the speed limit is reduced from the posted speed limit down to 25-35 miles per hour for all vehicles. Even if chains are not required, drivers should travel at a safe speed when roads are wet, icy, or covered in snow. Caltrans would also like to remind everyone to give snowplows enough room to work. Stay at least four car lengths back from a snowplow and refrain from passing them.
In addition to chains, Caltrans is reminding all drivers to make sure they’re properly packed before traveling to higher elevations. To know if you’re fully prepared, Caltrans has put together a video detailing what you should pack before hitting the road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In the event of an extended delay, it’s suggested drivers keep the following supplies on hand:
· Snacks and water
· Flashlight
· Extra batteries for the flashlight
· Phone charger
· Jumper cables
· Kitty litter or sand (for tire traction when stuck)
· First aid kit
· Small shovel
· Extra set of warm clothes/blankets
· Extra medication
· Full tank of gas
Drivers should refrain from relying on driver-assist technology when traveling in snowy and icy conditions. Many of these features use cameras to operate, and the buildup of snow, ice, and salt from the roadways can impact their ability to work. Cruise control use should be avoided as this feature is deactivated by pressing the brakes and doing so on an icy road may cause your vehicle to slide.
A snow duster/windshield scraper should be kept readily available and used to dust off any snow that may have accumulated on a vehicle. Snow and ice dropping from the top of cars, trucks, and SUVs can create hazardous conditions for other drivers on the road. Snow not removed from the top of a vehicle is considered an unsecured cargo load and can result in a traffic fine.
For the latest information on conditions on the California State Highway System, please visit the Caltrans QuickMap website at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or download the app to your smartphone. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
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) 881-7145 or TTY 711.
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(From Caltrans District 9)
