California

[Scott5114]

That section of 395 seems to be way overdue for a widening, based on the traffic levels the couple of times I've been there.

[ClassicHasClass]

Phase 2 of the U.S. 395 Widening project is having a groundbreaking ceremony on February 20th (this Friday)!

Bupkis on the CalTrans site.

https://www.vvng.com/construction-to-begin-on-second-phase-of-us-395-improvements-between-victorville-and-hesperia/

It's a good thing. That single-lane-per-direction pinch sucks, though not as sucky as the no-pass zone from Adelanto to CA 58, of course.

[pderocco]

Phase 2 of the U.S. 395 Widening project is having a groundbreaking ceremony on February 20th (this Friday)!

Bupkis on the CalTrans site.

https://www.vvng.com/construction-to-begin-on-second-phase-of-us-395-improvements-between-victorville-and-hesperia/

It's a good thing. That single-lane-per-direction pinch sucks, though not as sucky as the no-pass zone from Adelanto to CA 58, of course.

That'll be nice. Then only 84 more miles to widen.

[ElishaGOtis]

Just caught a DMS on I-215 referring to SR-210 as I-210. Is this a common thing to be displayed here, is it an error, or is it indicative of change?

[Quillz]

Just caught a DMS on I-215 referring to SR-210 as I-210. Is this a common thing to be displayed here, is it an error, or is it indicative of change?

Just an error. In the SF Valley, you'll see references to both "CA-27" and "Topanga," because the former is how CalTrans sees it, the latter is how locals see it, but they refer to the same thing. In the case of the 210, it's an interstate in all but shield, and I don't think there's been a serious push to get CA-210 reassigned as I-210. Since it's a consistent number, it's probably not that big a deal.

[Quillz]

It's a similar case to CA-15, although that's not actually an interstate. But it's not uncommon for maps from local businesses to show it as I-15.

[cl94]

As of Thursday, Monitor Pass is back open for the season. Closed for less than 3 months this winter.

Given the sad state of the snowpack in these parts, I wouldn't be surprised if Ebbetts and Sonora open early as well (normal opening is mid-May), though I do not think clearing has begun for either. Of course, at this rate, clearing may not be needed apart from the highest parts of the road.

[gonealookin]

As of Thursday, Monitor Pass is back open for the season. Closed for less than 3 months this winter.

Given the sad state of the snowpack in these parts, I wouldn't be surprised if Ebbetts and Sonora open early as well (normal opening is mid-May), though I do not think clearing has begun for either. Of course, at this rate, clearing may not be needed apart from the highest parts of the road.

The snow sensor reports from Carson, Ebbetts and Sonora passes all show about 2/3 of median snow water equivalent for the date, and with only a little over a month remaining in the season where we have chances of major storms (ends around April 15), there's a big zero in the forecasts for the next two weeks, so that number will drop.

It sure looks like the passes will open early and the backcountry will be accessible early for recreation.  The earlier everything dries out, the earlier the forests turn crispy, and I'd expect a smoky summer for California and Nevada.

[gonealookin]

And another very early opening after winter closure: the eastern segment of SR 120 between US 395 and US 6 is now open.  https://x.com/Caltrans9/status/2036932932846444582

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

[cl94]

SRs 158 and 270 also opened for the season within the past week. Clearing has already begun on 4 and 108, a bit earlier than normal. I would not be remotely surprised if those are open in mid-April given how little snow there is at pass level. 17 inches at Ebbetts and 28 at Sonora as of yesterday. Nearly everything below 7,500' in the Tahoe area has melted out.

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

We've had no measurable precip in about a month. Still above normal for the water year due to those warm storms early in the winter, but snowmelt is a month or two ahead of schedule in these parts.

[cahwyguy]

SRs 158 and 270 also opened for the season within the past week. Clearing has already begun on 4 and 108, a bit earlier than normal. I would not be remotely surprised if those are open in mid-April given how little snow there is at pass level. 17 inches at Ebbetts and 28 at Sonora as of yesterday. Nearly everything below 7,500' in the Tahoe area has melted out.

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

We've had no measurable precip in about a month. Still above normal for the water year due to those warm storms early in the winter, but snowmelt is a month or two ahead of schedule in these parts.

Given this discussion, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out SB1382, currently in front of the legislature"
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1382

SB 1382, as introduced, Alvarado-Gil. Department of Transportation: mountain passes: openings.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with possession and control of all state highways. Existing law requires the department, on or before July 1, 1992, to adopt and implement a deicing policy for state highways, as specified. Existing law specifically requires the department to remove snow from a specified portion of Interstate Route 80, as specified.

This bill would require the department to ensure that all mountain passes under its control are open for operation by May 1 of each year. If it is projected that it is not feasible for the department to meet that requirement, the bill would require the department to publish on its internet website a written notice of which mountain passes it will not be able to open, including the documented causes, by April 1 of each year.

(Yes, I submitted a comment on this one about how it doesn't work -- they can't legislate nature)

[Max Rockatansky]

SRs 158 and 270 also opened for the season within the past week. Clearing has already begun on 4 and 108, a bit earlier than normal. I would not be remotely surprised if those are open in mid-April given how little snow there is at pass level. 17 inches at Ebbetts and 28 at Sonora as of yesterday. Nearly everything below 7,500' in the Tahoe area has melted out.

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

We've had no measurable precip in about a month. Still above normal for the water year due to those warm storms early in the winter, but snowmelt is a month or two ahead of schedule in these parts.

There was snow fairly consistently above 6,200 feet on 88 last week.  The road surface was bone dry enough that I stopped to see if Mormon Emigrant Trail was opened (it wasn't).  I kind of wondered if the gate on North South Road is opened past the Caldor town site because I got deep enough in to check out the older Cosumnes River bridges.

[Max Rockatansky]

SRs 158 and 270 also opened for the season within the past week. Clearing has already begun on 4 and 108, a bit earlier than normal. I would not be remotely surprised if those are open in mid-April given how little snow there is at pass level. 17 inches at Ebbetts and 28 at Sonora as of yesterday. Nearly everything below 7,500' in the Tahoe area has melted out.

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

We've had no measurable precip in about a month. Still above normal for the water year due to those warm storms early in the winter, but snowmelt is a month or two ahead of schedule in these parts.

Given this discussion, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out SB1382, currently in front of the legislature"
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1382

SB 1382, as introduced, Alvarado-Gil. Department of Transportation: mountain passes: openings.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with possession and control of all state highways. Existing law requires the department, on or before July 1, 1992, to adopt and implement a deicing policy for state highways, as specified. Existing law specifically requires the department to remove snow from a specified portion of Interstate Route 80, as specified.

This bill would require the department to ensure that all mountain passes under its control are open for operation by May 1 of each year. If it is projected that it is not feasible for the department to meet that requirement, the bill would require the department to publish on its internet website a written notice of which mountain passes it will not be able to open, including the documented causes, by April 1 of each year.

(Yes, I submitted a comment on this one about how it doesn't work -- they can't legislate nature)

FWIW having some additional transparency would be nice with some of the seasonal highways in the Sierra Nevada.  It wasn't until two years ago that Caltrans even posted the closure for 180 east of Hume Lake on the QuickMap.  A lot of people were complaining locally when they drove out to Kings Canyon only to be met with an unexpected closure gate at Hume Lake Road.  Before anyone says it I'm aware there is a sign with the status of 180 heading eastbound approaching Dunlap Road.

Of course being transparent about seasonal highways could easily be addressed by social media management.  Some Caltrans districts are better at it than others.

[gonealookin]

This bill would require the department to ensure that all mountain passes under its control are open for operation by May 1 of each year. If it is projected that it is not feasible for the department to meet that requirement, the bill would require the department to publish on its internet website a written notice of which mountain passes it will not be able to open, including the documented causes, by April 1 of each year.

(Yes, I submitted a comment on this one about how it doesn't work -- they can't legislate nature)

Oh good grief.  In addition to the obvious issue of clearing the snow, which can keep falling into April, the other problem that arises is that any damage to the road that needs to be repaired before it can be opened isn't necessarily apparent while the road is buried in snow.  I recall a year when SR 4 in the Ebbetts Pass area required a few weeks worth of work even after the snow was gone.  Damaged trees that pose a danger have to be removed as well.

I've never perceived that Caltrans drags its feet about getting roads reopened, and I'm not sure why this state senator (whose district does at least cover most of the roads affected by the proposed law) felt this kick in the rear end would be needed.  Doing a favor for some of her constituents who make more money the longer the roads are open, I suppose.

[FredAkbar]

It seems like the proposed law wouldn't actually require them to do anything though? If they deem that they are unable or unwilling to open a road by May 1, they can just put out a statement on April 1 saying so, and why.

[Max Rockatansky]

Apparently CHP requested Caltrans install temporary gates on US 101 in advance of scheduled demonstrations this weekend. 

https://abc7.com/post/gates-installed-101-freeway-ramps-downtown-los-angeles-ahead-no-kings-protest/18788484/

[jander]

Are there any good resources on the Great Highway in San Francisco, and how it was built out as a 4 lane divedd road, with minimal access ?  When did it become a "highway" ?

Thanks ofr any info or links ! 

* searching "great highway" comes up with a LOT of irrelevent stuff....

[FredAkbar]

Are there any good resources on the Great Highway in San Francisco, and how it was built out as a 4 lane divedd road, with minimal access ?  When did it become a "highway" ?

Thanks ofr any info or links ! 

* searching "great highway" comes up with a LOT of irrelevent stuff....

Some info here: https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/Great_Highway

FWIW, a search like "great highway san francisco" gives relevant results.

[kkt]

SRs 158 and 270 also opened for the season within the past week. Clearing has already begun on 4 and 108, a bit earlier than normal. I would not be remotely surprised if those are open in mid-April given how little snow there is at pass level. 17 inches at Ebbetts and 28 at Sonora as of yesterday. Nearly everything below 7,500' in the Tahoe area has melted out.

I'm honestly surprised there is a storm coming next week with how dry it has been. 

We've had no measurable precip in about a month. Still above normal for the water year due to those warm storms early in the winter, but snowmelt is a month or two ahead of schedule in these parts.

Given this discussion, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out SB1382, currently in front of the legislature"
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1382

SB 1382, as introduced, Alvarado-Gil. Department of Transportation: mountain passes: openings.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with possession and control of all state highways. Existing law requires the department, on or before July 1, 1992, to adopt and implement a deicing policy for state highways, as specified. Existing law specifically requires the department to remove snow from a specified portion of Interstate Route 80, as specified.

This bill would require the department to ensure that all mountain passes under its control are open for operation by May 1 of each year. If it is projected that it is not feasible for the department to meet that requirement, the bill would require the department to publish on its internet website a written notice of which mountain passes it will not be able to open, including the documented causes, by April 1 of each year.

(Yes, I submitted a comment on this one about how it doesn't work -- they can't legislate nature)

A law was made a distant moon ago here:
July and August cannot be too hot.
And there's a legal limit to the snow here
In Camelot.
The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it sounds a bit bizarre,
But in Camelot, Camelot
That's how conditions are.
The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight, the morning fog must disappear.
In short, there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.

- Lerner and Loewe

[Max Rockatansky]

Apparently, Cameron Road from Exit 159 to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks is the original alignment of US 466 in Tehachapi Pass.  The freeway at Tehachapi Pass opened in 1957 as a replacement for the choke-prone two-lane alignment.  I stumbled onto this while working on a blog for Cameron Road.  This is what I found in the CHPWs:

"The September/October 1958 California Highways & Public Works announced the completion of a realignment project along US Route 466 at Cameron and Tehachapi Pass.  The then new three-mile alignment completed in late 1957 originated at the eastern outskirts of Tehachapi and extended easterly through Cameron to Cache Creek.  The purpose of the new four-lane alignment was to mitigate congestion that occurred on the older two-lane segment approaching Cameron Road.  The new alignment of US Route 466 was located to the north of Cameron siding.  Cameron Road was extended from the Southern Pacific Railroad crossing to then new alignment of US Route 466."

I started doing some additional digging into US 466 at Tehachapi after writing up the Cameron Road blog.  The original Tehachapi Pass corridor followed Oak Creek Road and Tehachapi-Woodford Road over what we now call Oak Creek Pass.  The modern Tehachapi Pass on Cache Creek was a route that came into being after the Southern Pacific Railroad completed their line at Cameron siding in 1876.  I'm surprised that I didn't know this, but it would explain why there isn't much Gold Rush lore on modern Tehachapi Pass.

[gonealookin]

Caltrans closed Ebbetts, Sonora and Monitor Passes during the day on December 16.  They haven't reopened, and with the current major storm that's definitely it until spring for Ebbetts and Sonora at least.  In a dry winter Monitor Pass, in the drier shadow east of the main Sierra crest, occasionally is reopened after a few snowless weeks.

Sonora Pass/SR 108 is open for the season as of today.  December 16 to April 30 has to be one of the shortest seasonal closures ever for that road.  Snowstorms in May can close it temporarily, for a day or so.

Ebbetts Pass/SR 4 isn't open yet.  The high point is 1000 feet lower than Sonora Pass but maybe Caltrans has some damage repair work to do there.  Tioga Pass/SR 120 is open from Lee Vining to the National Park entrance, but clearing the road through Yosemite is NPS' responsibility and that road is always opened later than the Caltrans roads.

[epzik8]

I'm in California for the first time ever this week (specifically Northern), and one of my first impressions of the state was this impressive view of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (CA 92) coming into SFO.



Also spotted this on the wall at my hotel in Napa:

[pderocco]

That's an odd thing to frame and hang on a hotel room wall. Doubly odd that it was reduced to black-and-white. I'd have preferred an old pre-Interstate map showing all the US routes.

[FredAkbar]

I'm in California for the first time ever this week (specifically Northern), and one of my first impressions of the state was this impressive view of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (CA 92) coming into SFO.

It doesn't have the impressive scaffolding of the Bay Bridge or Carquinez Bridge, but it's a nice bridge if you like being really close to the water (the part in your photo is the western end that is the only part that goes high up above the water; presumably that is where the ships can pass under). Very long.