Date: December 10, 2007
The El Portal Road is a park road that begins at the western boundary of Yosemite National Park. It begins at the eastern end of California State Highway 140 and continues 7.5 miles east to the Pohono Bridge.
In response to the recent ruling by the Eastern District Court, which directs the National Park Service to prepare a new comprehensive management plan for the Merced River, only those portions of the road that are at imminent risk of failure are being addressed at this time (approximately 1400 feet of roadway). This area has undergone five emergency repairs since 1997, but a complete reconstruction is needed so that the road can withstand future high water events. Important considerations throughout the planning process have been to maintain the road's historic character as a winding, narrow, mountain road, and to consider the protection and enhancement of the Merced Wild and Scenic River.
Yosemite Valley will remain open throughout the road construction. The Wawona Road (Highway 41 outside of the park) will remain open 24 hours per day.
As of December 9, 2007, construction hours will be:
Weekdays:
Sunday - Thursday - 10:00 pm through 6:00 am - Full night closure with one outbound opening at 11:00 pm
Monday - Friday - 6:00 am through 10:00 pm - One lane controlled traffic with maximum 30 minute delays
Weekends:
Friday 4:30 pm through Sunday 10:00 pm - One lane controlled traffic with maximum 30 minute delays
Hours are subject to change during the course of the construction. Please call 209/372-0200 for more information or for updated road conditions.
