Press Release – U.S. Highway 395 Closed until Friday
MONO AND INYO COUNTY — Caltrans has announced that U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County will remain closed through Friday morning. Maintenance crews are working around the clock, plowing, and dropping cinders to manage the storm. On Friday, Caltrans will reassess the road conditions for any sections that might be available to reopen.
Southbound U.S. Highway 395 is closed from the Nevada State Line to State Route 203 (Mammoth Lakes). Northbound U.S. Highway 395 is closed from 2.1 miles south of the Inyo/Mono county line, just north of Bishop, to the Nevada State Line. Neither closure will change until Friday at the earliest. With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans is escorting only essential vehicles north from Bishop through the closure so food, propane, and other necessities can reach snowbound areas.
R2 and R1 chain controls are still in effect on roads in Mono and Inyo counties. For the latest information on road closures and chain controls, please visit the Caltrans QuickMap website or download the app to your smartphone. You can also check Facebook @Caltrans9 and Twitter @Caltrans9 or call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
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My timing was a little bit off, but how many times have you seen r-1 restrictions posted when there was no snow in the road? R-2 When just a little common sense would do. This signage is rarely seen in other western states unless it is really needed and sometimes not even then. You ever wonder why these restrictions usually end at the Ca. border?….Rant over..
Maybe ‘cuz “Caltrans” is short for California Dept of Transportation and their restrictions can’t be applied in another state ? But yeah, no need in planning ahead for a forecasted 6+ foot snowfall. Is that the common sense to which you refer?
BobK
Now that I totally agree with,but I think I have the answer.
There’s a LOT of dumb,ignorant and inconsiderate drivers in California.
Especially those traveling and coming from the south into the snow and ice up here.
If anyone doubts that,sit on a park bench on any town Main St. during the day,any month of the year.
Yesterday,on my way to the market,while it was snowing and the wind was blowing,two SoCal SUV’s were blocking the road heading west.And when I had to drive around them,the driver,he was talking and yapping on his smart phone,while his passenger was talking,visiting and laughing with the driver of the other vehicle.
Maybe they think setting R-1 or R-2 regulations,even if it’s not really needed will maybe cause just one or two drivers to think and exercise common sense.
BobK
Snowplow in the West Walker Canyon was knocked into the river by an avalanche and the operator has moderate injuries, I’m sure the rescue and transportation were not easy. I’ve got 2 suggestions, get a job with Caltrans driving a plow or move to one of those other states.
Eric. Your reply had nothing to do with my post.
Watching the world news last night. The snowfall in the the northeast was far far less than we had received here. Drivers unable to get traction were stranded right and left blocking roads.
There were reports of avalanches (plural) across the highway in Walker Canyon last night, so yeah, closed. And back in “the good old days” vehicles were heavier, chains were actual chains, there was less traffic and more common sense. Why put law enforcement, paramedics, and tow truck drivers at risk during a projected heavy 3 day storm?
BobK
Have you seen the CalTrans photos of HWY 395 around Tom’s Place and beyond ?
Never mind the fact of avalanche danger,especially the workers trying to clear the highway,one such avalanche pushing a County vehicle into the Walker river yesterday.
Things more important than clearing the way for the tourists and spending their money in Mammoth at this time.