Posted by: thepinetree on 06/28/2008 02:59 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 06/28/2008 09:37 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Caltrans Bridge Project Completed Early and in Time for July 4th Holiday Travel
Mariposa, CA...Yesterday Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Essential Mariposa, CA...Access Interim Bridge Project, opening State Route 140 (SR-140) to all vehicles. Prior to yesterday, vehicles longer than 28 feet, including tour buses, school buses and some emergency vehicles could not access this main all weather route into Yosemite National Park. "These new bridges mean that Yosemite tour buses, school buses, delivery trucks and emergency vehicles will have the access they need to ensure economic prosperity, public safety and normal daily life in this community," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Finishing ahead of schedule and in time for the July 4th weekend, this is great news for area residents and to Californians planning to visit this national treasure."...
 
Photos from the Governor's Office
The $8 million project installed two new interim bridges to allow vehicles up to 45-feet long access to the temporary bypass while the Permanent Restoration Project is developed for SR-140. Opening this important transportation link to large vehicles will enhance the economic vitality of the surrounding area, benefit tourism and restore this all weather route to Yosemite National Park.
SR-140 in Mariposa County is an important all-weather transportation link for Yosemite National Park. Governor Schwarzenegger issued an emergency proclamation after unusually heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Ferguson Ridge in Mariposa County. Caltrans worked to establish one-way traffic along SR-140, but the Ferguson slide became active and buried the entire route on May 25, 2006 resulting in the closure of SR-140 at that location. The two temporary bridges used until today were then installed allowing vehicles up to 28-feet in length to access SR-140 to Yosemite National Park, expediting the opening of SR-140.
The after effects of the landslide were devastating to the area. Hundreds of large tour buses that are the lifeblood of the local economy had to find alternate, longer routes into Yosemite National Park. As a result, many area businesses have closed, delivery costs increased and sales tax revenues went down 22 percent.
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