Relief planned for Highway 140
Hemmed in for nearly two years by a major rock slide, the most heavily traveled route to Yosemite National Park might be getting some relief in the coming months.
Caltrans has announced plans to install new bridges on California 140 to replace temporary crossings hastily erected in 1996 to divert traffic around the rock slide at Ferguson Ridge, about a dozen miles west of the park entrance.
The original single-lane bridges could not accommodate vehicles longer than 28 feet, prohibiting access to many delivery trucks, some RVs and tour buses that once favored the gentle curves and gradual grade of Highway 140.
Though still only one lane wide, the new bridges would be able to handle vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
The $8-million project awaits final approval from several federal agencies, but Caltrans spokeswoman Lisa Balcom said construction can move quickly once given the green light.
-- Eric Bailey
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