From Sfchronicle · · 1m 50s
California Builds $400m Shield for Yosemite Highway
California constructs $400 million rock shield to protect Yosemite’s Highway 140 from deadly slides.
In brief
California constructs $400 million rock shield to protect Yosemite’s Highway 140 from deadly slides. California is building a $400 million shield to protect Yosemite’s most dangerous highway from rockslides. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Highway 140 at Yosemite
Highway 140 ends abruptly near Yosemite National Park with two traffic lights directing cars across steel bridges over the Merced River.
Ferguson Slide Threat
The Ferguson Slide buried Highway 140 in rocks and debris in 2006, creating a dangerous canyon for drivers.
New $400m Shield Project
California is building a $400 million rock shield to protect Yosemite’s most dangerous highway from rockslides.
“California is building a $400 million shield to protect highway 140, yosemite’s most dangerous highway.”
675-Foot Rock Shed
Caltrans is constructing a 675-foot rock shed over Highway 140 to restore the vulnerable segment for five years.
100-Year Structure
The vaulted concrete arch will last a hundred years and withstand catastrophic shifts in earth and weather.
“Designed to last a hundred years, the structure could tolerate just about any catastrophic shift in earth and weather”
Rock Slide Risk
The structure could be buried up to 40 feet by a rock avalanche in seconds, but larger rocks would go over it into the river.
“Anything larger than this, he added, will simply go over the shed and into the river.”
Local Concerns
Residents worry about winter storms and El Niño bringing heavy rain that could cause more rockslides.
“We have an el niño coming”
Historical Context
Highway 140 opened a century ago with a dedication ceremony at the Clark Ranch, carrying visitors to Yosemite.
“When highway 140 opened to the public a hundred years ago, local politicians, park service workers and state highway commissioners held a dedication ceremony at the clark ranch”
Tourism Impact
Tourism is now the top industry in Mariposa County, funding public services through hotels and vacation rentals.
“Tourism is now the number one industry in mariposa county, funding many of the public services”
Recent Slide Incidents
A truck-sized boulder blocked Highway 140 near Cedar Lodge, requiring three days to blast in half.
“They had to blast the rock in half to get it off, took about three days”
El Niño Concerns
Residents fear heavy winter rains from El Niño could trigger more rockslides on Highway 140.
“We’re always going to build things where they shouldn’t be built”
Project Completion
Caltrans aims to complete the rock shield by 2031, but winter storms could test its durability.
“The shed heralded a new era for 140, promising that engineers could once again keep the canyon’s rockfalls at bay”
What matters most
California is building a $400 million shield to protect Yosemite’s most dangerous highway from rockslides.
