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Highway 140 into Yosemite, blocked by rock slide, set to reopen

Bee Staff Reports
Huge boulders crashed onto a stretch of Highway 140 inside Yosemite National Park early Thursday. The road is set for reopening Saturday.
Huge boulders crashed onto a stretch of Highway 140 inside Yosemite National Park early Thursday. The road is set for reopening Saturday. Yosemite National Park

The rock slide-blocked El Portal Road/Highway 140 into Yosemite National Park was set to open again to all traffic at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The route into Yosemite Valley had been closed since a Thursday morning rockfall near the park’s Arch Rock Entrance Station. The slide sent massive boulders, rocks and debris onto the scenic roadway that runs along the Merced River.

Yosemite rangers and road crews worked extended shifts to clear the rocks and debris from the road, according to a park news release.

Crews and equipment – as well as rocks and other debris – may remain on the roadway, so drivers are being urged to drive with caution, the release says. Chain restrictions are in place on many roads within the park. Find out current road conditions by calling 209-372-0200.

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Highway 140 into Yosemite, blocked by rock slide, set to reopen."

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