Tuolumne, CA, Major reconstruction began today on 11 sites along Cottonwood Road (Forest Route 1N04) on the Stanislaus National Forest. The road was severely damaged by winter storms in 2016-2017 and was reopened to the public after the Forest Service made temporary repairs in July. The road was approved for funding assistance from the Federal Highway Administration under the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program.

The FHWA completed designs and awarded a contract to S.T. Rhoades Construction, Inc., which will perform more than $3 million in permanent repairs to the sections that failed during the winter storm events. Due to the severity of damage on sites 3-7b, Cottonwood Road will be completely closed between Milepost 20.26 (intersection with FR 2N14) and Milepost 21.36 (intersection with FR 3N01N). This closure affects approximately 0.75 miles before and 0.25 miles after the crossing of Reed Creek (see attached map). Rhoades Construction expects work to be completed by Dec. 15, 2017, weather permitting.

The public is advised that Cottonwood Road is not maintained for winter travel and access to other portions not affected by this closure will be limited until the spring.

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