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Sonora, CA — The incoming storm system has caused Caltrans to plan a temporary closure of a Mother Lode Highway stretch along an area made fragile by a major 2018 fire.
Caltrans officials say Highway 140 in Mariposa County in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar will remain closed beginning Wednesday night at 7 p.m. for public safety reasons during the storm and until it is deemed safe once again, adding that the estimated time before the 17-mile highway closure reopens will depend upon weather impacts.
The closure points on Highway 140 are between Bear Creek near Midpines to Foresta Road in El Portal, located about four miles west of the Yosemite National Park entrance.
Risks during storm conditions include mudslides and moving debris — such as rocks — onto highway lanes. Once the storm passes, Caltrans officials say crews will be clearing away debris and then inspecting the section before reopening it to traffic. The agency adds that the closure information is subject to change due to road and weather conditions and other related issues.