FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wildlife Crossing Project to Close U.S. 395 through Sonora Junction for Two Weeks

What you need to know: U.S. 395 will fully close for 15 days within the Sonora Junction Shoulders Project while crews install two under-highway wildlife crossings, providing safe and sustainable passage for mule deer and other area wildlife.

MONO COUNTY — Beginning Wednesday, September 4, U.S. 395 will fully close between Bridgeport and State Route 108 for 15 days while crews install two wildlife crossings underneath the roadway as part of the Sonora Junction Shoulders Project. The project, which began construction in May, is widening the shoulders of the highway to 8 feet, installing rail-element retaining walls, and stabilizing slopes with anchored mesh in addition to installing the wildlife crossings.

Each “plate pipe” archway undercrossing will measure more than 70 feet in length and stand between 9.5 feet and 11 feet high. With 69 reported wildlife collisions since 2002 (many more incidents go unreported), Caltrans biologists identified this stretch of U.S. 395 as a crossing hotspot for the West Walker herd of mule deer. The addition of two oversized culverts and fencing to direct animals away from traffic aims to reduce wildlife mortality rates on this stretch of U.S. 395.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Drivers are advised that the only detours available around the closure are as follows: Northbound motorists can take State Route 182 from Bridgeport and connect with Nevada Route 338. Southbound traffic coming from Nevada can connect with Nevada Route 208 at Holbrook Junction and take the 338 south.

Those traveling over Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass can head north on U.S. 395 through the communities of Walker, Coleville, and Topaz to reach Holbrook Junction. Access to U.S. 395 between Bridgeport and Burcham Flat Road will be available to local traffic only.

Work schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment or materials, or any construction-related issues.

Travelers are asked to be attentive to workers on the highway, slow for the cone zone, and move over whenever possible to remain clear of construction personnel and equipment. Be Safe and Be Work Zone Alert!

To get the latest information on conditions on the State Highway System, visit the Caltrans QuickMap site 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).

Find out how California is building for a better tomorrow by visiting build.ca.gov and rebuildingca.ca.gov.

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.