District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Raquel Borrayo (530) 701-5209
Steve Nelson (530) 701-9459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is advising motorists to expect intermittent winter driving conditions beginning today and heavy traffic in the Sierra area this holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 p.m. today until 4 a.m Friday with about a foot of new snow expected at higher elevations and rain in the Valley. The forecast for the weekend calls for a chance of snow Saturday, clear skies on Sunday and then a potential for more rain and snow on President’s Day Monday. Given anticipated periods of inclement weather, coupled with heavy traffic and chain controls, motorists are advised to expect lengthy travel delays in the Sierra.
Ski resort parking lots are expected to fill quickly this holiday weekend given lower capacity requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motorists should be prepared to be turned around when lots reach capacity and not block highways and local roads.
Caltrans also reminds motorists that snow play is not permitted in Safety Roadside Rest Areas (SRRAs) or alongside highways, on-ramps or off-ramps. Drivers parked alongside highways and in non-designated areas for snow play create hazardous driving conditions for other motorists and prevent big rig drivers from using rest areas for federally mandated stops. Vehicles found parked illegally may be cited or towed for public safety.
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and traffic flow levels or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
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