Who: California Department of Transportation, District 9
What: Pass Closures due to pending storm
When: Friday, October 31st, 2014
Where: State Route 108 “Sonora Pass” & State Route 89 “Monitor Pass”
Due to the incoming storm, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be closing Sonora Pass (State Route 108) and Monitor Pass (State Route 89) today at noon.
Caltrans will reopen the passes once weather permits and crews make the necessary repairs to the roads.
For the latest road condition information, call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Changeable Message Signs with flashing beacons will have information regarding the pass closures.
Please remember, weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should expect the worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in areas subject to hazardous conditions.
Check out this link for winter driving tips: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist10/pages/pressreleases/2014/Oct/14-10-85WinterDrivingTips.pdf
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While I appreciate the advanced notice that CT is providing regarding these early closures,I don’t appreciate them closing the passes early.
Many of us occasionally have business (or other reasons) to be on the west side. We pay close attention to storms coming in so, if possible, schedules can be arranged to make it over the passes prior to the storm hitting. I’ve been caught twice (not this storm) on HWY 120 heading east, well before the storm, only to find the passes closed.
This is not acceptable. YNP closes the pass early because they are not in the road business. For Caltrans to close it that early is just plain wrong. I know they’re worried about tourists staying too long, but guess what, us locals count too. We need the passes left open long enough for us get home. Not prematurely closed WELL before the storm hits.
For this last storm, 5:00 (1.5 hours before dark) would have worked just fine…ie. no snow yet, but people would’ve had time to finish their business and get back home across the sierras safely.