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SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. October 17, 2018 – The second season of road construction along a one mile section of the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park will begin to wind down in the next month. Work on this segment has been extensive with rehabilitation or construction of new retaining walls, improved drainage, and new pullouts, among other improvements.
With the construction season coming to an end, more time is needed to allow for critical work to take place. Beginning on Monday, October 22 weekday delays will change from up to one hour to up to two hours in duration. These extended delays are scheduled through Friday, November 2, but may be extended if needed, and after park review.
“We hope to bring this project to conclusion before weather impacts the work that can be done,” said Woody Smeck, superintendent for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. “The improved roadway will much better serve the millions of visitors we get every year.”
Construction Delay Schedule
Please note that the delay schedule may change at any time due to weather or emergencies. For the most up-to-date 24-hour road conditions and advisories please call (559) 565-3341 (press 1, 1) or visit nps.gov/seki.
Monday-Friday from 6:00 am - 7:00 am
Up to 20 minute delays. Traffic lights will control traffic, uphill traffic first.
Monday-Friday from 7:00 am - 8:00 am
Up to 1-hour delay. Traffic lights will control traffic, uphill traffic first.
Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Up to 2-hour delays. Uphill traffic first, downhill traffic will follow after the uphill traffic has successfully cleared the construction zone. Once both lanes of traffic have been cleared, the construction zone will close to all traffic, until the next pass through.
Monday-Friday from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Up to 1-hour delay. Traffic lights will control traffic, uphill traffic first. After 5:00 pm on Friday expect delays up to 20 minutes.
Monday-Friday from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Up to 20 minute delays. Traffic lights will control traffic, uphill traffic first.
Overnight Sunday- Thursday from 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
Both lanes will close for 10 hours, one pass-through at 8:00 pm and another at 11:30 pm, uphill traffic first.
Weekends and Holidays
Starting Friday at 5:00 pm, when highway is limited to one lane, expect delays up to 20 minutes. Traffic lights will control traffic.
22 Ft Vehicle Restriction
Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited on the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and the Giant Forest Museum. This closure will remain in effect until construction has been completed. During construction, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will close one lane of the highway by use of K rail. This will cause the highway to be narrowed, and unable to safely accommodate vehicles over 22 feet. The highway closure is being extended to the nearest turn around locations for vehicles of that size to the south at Hospital Rock and north at Giant Forest Museum. Visitors with vehicles over 22 feet hoping to visit the giant sequoias are advised to enter via the hwy 180 northern entrance to these parks.
History of the Generals Highway Construction Project
The Generals Highway was completed in 1935 and is the primary artery through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Generals Highway is a narrow and winding road that was not designed or constructed for travel by the larger vehicles that are in use today. Since its original construction, the Generals Highway has needed periodic repairs to address structural deficiencies and normal wear that have led to deterioration. However, in 1993 the design and reconstruction of the entire 28-mile Generals Highway began. Reconstruction was needed because the Generals Highway was in poor condition with several failures, had short sight distances, several drainage issues, and did not meet FHWA design standards.
To date, reconstruction of the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park has been completed between the south Park entrance and Deer Ridge.
About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These two parks, which lie-side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada in Central California, serve as a prime example of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Over 2 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks for the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.
Last updated: October 17, 2018