Caltrans Photo
Sonora, CA — The complete closure of a major Mother Lode highway stretch will continue for two more weeks due to the discovery of more damage.
Caltrans officials report they are extending the full highway closure of Highway 49 between Bear Valley Road and just south of Highway 132 in Coulterville because crews found the roadway shoulders at multiple locations — including an entire roadside embankment — are shifting away from the highway.
The storm damage-related closure, which began on Monday, April 29, has been extended through 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23. Initially, the road was set to reopen Friday, May 10.
The work required is in addition to the original scope, which called for repairing or replacing three underground drainage culverts and rebuilding the road over them.
The communities of Bear Valley, Coulterville, Greeley Hill and Mariposa can still be reached using the posted alternate routes already in place for which motorists should plan an additional hour of travel time.
For Caltrans traffic information for Highway’s 4, 49, 59, 108, and 120 plus a view of traffic on other Mother Lode roads and gas prices click on “Traffic” or keyword: traffic For an overview of extreme weather news stories go here.