City of Bishop press releases

A chance of snow is forecast the next few days in the Bishop area and the City of Bishop Department of Public Works reminds residents and visitors to be prepared for snow on city streets and sidewalks.

Use snow tires or chains on Bishop streets when they are required on Bishop-area highways. A good guideline to determine if snow tires or chains should be used on city streets is if Caltrans requires them on state highways in area.

Snow tire and chain needs for streets and alleys west of Main Street should follow Caltrans requirements for West Line Street (Highway 168). Snow tire and chain needs for streets and alleys east of Main Street should follow Caltrans requirements for Main Street (Highway 395).

Chain requirements for state highways are available from Caltrans including by dialing 511 from any phone.

Since both Highway 168 and Highway 395 are long routes, care is needed to ensure the chain requirements for the portions of those highways in Bishop are noted.

Residents and businesses are also reminded to clear snow from public sidewalks at their homes and businesses, especially in areas that stay shaded from the low winter sun.

If the snow is not cleared immediately, it can partially melt, then freeze and remain slippery for a long time. State law and city policy makes the maintenance of sidewalks, including snow removal, the responsibility of the adjacent property.

Please help keep Bishop as safe and convenient as possible when it snows. Use snow tires or chains as appropriate when driving on city streets and immediately clear snow from sidewalks at your home or business. Your assistance is appreciated.

For more information contact City of Bishop Public Works at [email protected] or 760-873-8458.

Bishop solar project

Construction of the City of Bishop’s solar project is now expected to continue into
January. The $600,000 project will add solar arrays at two city well sites and at the city sewage treatment plant.

Work is almost complete at the well site near the Tri County Fairground and mostly
complete at the sewage treatment plant east of Bishop. Underground work is complete
at the well site near Mumy Lane but most of the above-ground work still needs to be
done at that location. Completion of work at the sewage plant is dependent on receiving
special equipment needed there.

When complete the new solar arrays will provide most of the power used by the wells
and sewage plant, will save the city about $60,000 per year in electricity costs, and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 470,000 pounds per year.

Contact the City of Bishop Department of Public Works at City Hall or
[email protected] or 760-873-8458 for more information.