October 19th – 23rd is California’s Flood Prevention Week
Stockton – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is preparing for the onset of El Nino this season by clearing and inspecting highway drainage culverts, inlets, retention basins, and pump houses to combat annual flooding events.
With El Nino fast approaching and unprecedented rainfall and atmospheric rivers expected to impact California’s Central Valley and Sierra Nevada, work has begun to safeguard out state highway infrastructure.
Before each incoming storm cycle, Caltrans closely monitors weather reports with information provided by the US National Weather Service (NWS) to gauge the incoming storm frequency and strength. Equipped with accurate NWS storm data Caltrans can effectively assess the needed storm preparedness efforts, staffing, and equipment. Caltrans maintenance crews are given specific locations to monitor for flooding, along with clearing culverts, roadside drainage inlets, inspecting bridges for debris and placing sandbags in areas prone to flooding.
Additionally, during atmospheric river events Caltrans maintenance crews closely monitor river canyon highway corridors for any obvious signs of rock fall or potential roadway washout locations. Our Caltrans maintenance crew members are also on standby 24/7 to coordinate with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for any weather-related emergency situations that may impact the traveling public.
Caltrans reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo with quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time highway conditions prior to travel. For your safety and other motorists, please #BeWorkZoneAlert and #MoveOver for highway workers and equipment.
Motorists should expect 5-to-10-minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible. All work is scheduled to occur as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment/materials, and construction-related issues.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert. Caltrans also reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo by checking QuickMaps on your mobile device or visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time highway conditions.
