Caltrans already preparing for winter storms

Caltrans is already preparing for winter storms inlight of damage caused by recent local fires, the agency reported today.

Caltrans workers have started examining the regions burned this summerby the Silver, Mountain and Falls fires and identified areas most likely toaffect highways 74 and 243. Winter storms can cause erosion, mudslides anddebris flow on the slopes above the highways that gets into culverts and drainsalong the roads, according to Caltrans.

“Management concerns, after the recent fires in District 8, includeconsideration of the potential damage to the state highway system from rainstorms until the re-growth of the adjacent vegetation,” said Steve Pusey,deputy director of maintenance for Caltrans’ District 8.

“Significant fire events in mountainous areas have long-termramifications to mountain roads and, as a result, District 8 is alreadypreparing for the coming winter,” he said.

Crews are removing debris and fallen trees along affected routes, andadditional personnel will be assigned to stations responsible for the highwaysin burn areas. They will work around the clock during storms, according toCaltrans.

“They will monitor slope activity, clean drains and, when necessary,utilize heavy equipment to clear the roadways,” according to a Caltransstatement.

For updates on local roads, go to www.caltrans8.info.