Following Damage from Historic Flooding, State Route 190 Will Reopen this Sunday through Death Valley National Park

Substantial Delays Expected as Repairs Continue

DEATH VALLEY – State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park will reopen on schedule this Sunday, October 15, at 6:00 a.m. The highway has been closed since late August due to widespread damage caused by Tropical Storm Hilary. Caltrans issued two emergency contracts to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. and Road & Highway Builders LLC to repair the road. While enough of State Route 190 has been repaired to reopen the highway, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Beginning Sunday, travelers can access Death Valley National Park from its eastern and western entrances on State Route 190. Those coming from U.S. 395 will need to use State Route 136 from Lone Pine, which connects to State Route 190 east of Owens Lake. Drivers will not be able to reach the park from the State Route 190/U.S. 395 junction in Olancha as that section of the highway will remain closed.

Substantial delays are expected. State Route 190 will reopen with multiple one-way traffic control points between State Route 136 and State Route 127/Death Valley Junction as crews continue to restore the pavement and shoulders to safe operational standards. At Argus Grade, from west of Father Crowley Overlook to Panamint Springs, there will be two pilot cars guiding vehicles through a 20-mile closure and drivers may encounter one-hour delays. Other traffic control points on State Route 190 will have up to 20-minute delays at each location. All traffic control points will be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With multiple traffic control points within Death Valley National Park, all drivers are encouraged to give themselves extra time to reach their destination. Drivers should also fill their gas tanks before entering the park, and come prepared with food, water, extra medication, and other necessary supplies as most traffic control points will not have available facilities. Caltrans reminds all drivers to be aware of construction personnel in the area and to slow down for the safety of you and those around you.

While State Route 190 will open through the park on Sunday, not all roads within Death Valley will be accessible. Visit nps.gov/deva for information on the availability of other roads and facilities within Death Valley National Park. For information on Trona-Wildrose Road, please contact Inyo County Public Works.

For the latest information on road closures and other highway conditions, download the Quickmap app to your iOS or Android device or visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).