Trigger points

Ever wonder what the guidelines are for highway road closures in the Eastern Sierra? When do authorities deem it too hazardous for vehicles to travel in wind and snow conditions? Do they actually wait for vehicles such as this big rig to blow over before shutting roads down?

According to Caltrans District 9 Public Information Officer Florene Trainor, no, they don’t wait for accidents to happen.

“On the 395 we send out an advisory when the wind reaches 31-38 mph,” she said. “We send out a warning when it reaches 39-46 mph and this is when CHP will stop trucks and screen them to see if they are too light. After the wind reaches 46 mph we implement closures.”

As for snow, the roads are only closed when Caltrans cannot keep up with clearing it with its plows.

“Snow plus wind is the ususal combination for closure,” Trainor concluded. “There is no hard and fast rule in place. The time of closure depends on public safety.”

CHP decides when closures should happen and Caltrans helps to implement those closures, according to Trainor.