From Caltrans

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURE
CLOSURE OF MONITOR PASS/STATE ROUTE 89
DUE TO INCOMING STORM

MONO, INYO, ALPINE, AND TUOLUMNE COUNTIES – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close State Route 89 (Monitor Pass) today, Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 10:00 p.m. This pre-emptive closure is based on a Winter Storm Warning predicting snow at high elevations for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means there will be snow-covered roads and limited visibility. Travel is not recommended while the warning is in effect from midnight tonight until 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019. There is no estimate for when the route will reopen.

Below is a comprehensive status update on the condition on the east and west Sierra Nevada mountain range and its passes for the traveling public.

State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass) is closed for the winter.

State Route 108 (Sonora Pass) is closed for the winter.

State Route 120 West (Tioga Pass) is closed for the winter.

State Route 120 East (Mono Mills) is open at this time.

State Route 158 North (June Lake Loop) is open at this time.

State Route 168 West (Bishop Creek) is open at this time.

State Route 270 (Bodie Road) is open at this time.

Several factors weigh in to influence the temporary closing, opening and seasonal closures of our pass roadways. Storms, accumulation of snow, and road conditions are all considered in the decision-making process by Caltrans leadership. In the case of SR-120, Yosemite National Park leadership confers with Caltrans to coordinate the opening and closing of park entrance gates. For the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews, continual updating of these passes will be assessed until the seasonal opening of each is decided.

For the latest road condition information, 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 visible along the highways.

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. All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires should, additionally, carry chains 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 (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) 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.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Slow for the Cone Zone.