Arnold, CA…We posted a pass closing piece yesterday but this one has additional information on what R1, R2 & R3 Chain Control levels mean. Caltrans is scheduled to close Ebbetts Pass (State Route 4) and Sonora Pass (State Route 108) due to incoming inclement weather in the Sierra Nevada. These closures are currently expected to be temporary and not the long-term, seasonal closures that Caltrans performs on an annual basis.

The closures are planned as follows (subject to change depending on actual conditions):

· Ebbetts Pass (SR-4 in Alpine County) at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

· Sonora Pass (SR-108 in Tuolumne and Mono counties) at noon on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

The reopening of these routes is dependent upon the impact of the weather.

Tioga Pass, a continuation of SR-120 within Yosemite National Park, is scheduled to be closed at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20. Yosemite maintains and operates all roads within the park. Caltrans District 9 (which is based in Bishop in Inyo County) has already closed SR-168 West (Bishop Creek) and SR-203 (Mammoth Lakes) for the wintertime.

Several factors influence the temporary closing and opening and seasonal closures of our mountain pass roadways. Storms, accumulation of snow and overall road conditions are all considered in the decision-making process by Caltrans leadership. For the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews, these passes will be continually assessed until the seasonal closure of each is decided.

Check ahead: Please check local highway conditions before planning to travel to the high country by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap site at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Also, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM or 1670 AM for information about counties within Caltrans District 10, including Tuolumne, Mono, and Alpine.

For road conditions in Yosemite National Park, please visit
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or call (209) 372-0200.

Be prepared: Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should expect the worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in areas subject to hazardous conditions. Caltrans reminds drivers to carry chains and to be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Drivers without chains in their possession may not be allowed to proceed. When highway signs indicate that chains are required, drivers must stop and install chains or risk being cited and fined. We recommend carrying blankets, water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, and sand or kitty litter to provide traction in case your vehicle becomes stuck.
All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires should, additionally, carry chains/traction control devices when traveling during snowy weather.

Drivers without chains in their possession may not be allowed to proceed. When highway signs indicate that chains are required, drivers must stop and install chains or risk being cited and fined.

CHAIN CONTROL REQUIREMENT LEVELS:

No Restrictions: Watch for snow on pavement.

R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (large trucks or buses). All other vehicles must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.

R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.

R-3: Chains required – ALL VEHICLES – no exceptions.

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For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.
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www.dot.ca.gov
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