Stockton, CA…The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed mountain passes in the central Sierra Nevada for the season due to winter conditions. The seasonal closures now in effect include Ebbetts Pass/State Route 4 (SR-4), Sonora Pass/SR-108 and Monitor Pass/SR-89. As of 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2018, the seasonal closures are as follows: • Ebbetts Pass/SR-4 is closed at the western end of Lake Alpine above Bear Valley
• Sonora Pass/SR-108 is closed from Kennedy Meadows to just west of the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center • Monitor Pass/SR-89 is closed from the junction of SR-4 to the junction of U.S. 395

The recent storms and accumulation of snow make the seasonal closures necessary for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews. The weather conditions on the passes and subsequent road conditions are among the determining factors in the decision to make the seasonal closures. Once the passes are closed for winter, they will not be reopened until conditions warrant. Each year, Caltrans crews work diligently to clear debris, remove snow and make repairs so the highway can reopen by Memorial Day weekend.

Tioga Pass/SR-120 runs through Yosemite National Park, and the park service maintains the roadway inside the park. The National Park Service has announced that Tioga Pass is also now closed for the season.

For the latest road condition information, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM or 1670 AM or call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Changeable Message Signs with flashing beacons will have information regarding the pass closures.

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

State of California • Department of Transportatio

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. 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 also 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 (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (i.e. cars, pick-ups, vans) 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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