California to spend $36.4 million to restore Ebbetts Pass, one of the last wild trans-Sierra highways that climbs over 8,000 feet and narrows to single lane
Caltrans will begin a major four-year project to repair a long stretch of Highway 4, including the historic Ebbetts Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After being delayed, the project is now scheduled to start on August 3.The $36.4 million project will cover approximately 31.7 miles of Highway 4 in Alpine County. The route passes famous destinations like Bear Canyon, Alpine Lake, Mosquito Lake, and Pacific Valley before crossing over Ebbets Pass, one of the last remaining backcountry routes through the Sierra Nevada.The restoration work aims to improve the aging road while maintaining the existing layout. Caltrans said the project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2030.The project was originally scheduled to begin on July 13. However, Caltrans delayed the start to Aug. 3 to reduce disruption during the Bear Valley Music Festival, which takes place July 17-August 2 and attracts about 4,000 visitors. Prior to the delay, only pre-construction surveying work had been carried out.In a Facebook post announcing the change, Caltrans said, “#CaltransDistrict10 is working with the Alpine County community to implement one of its Prosperity Guiding Principles by delaying the State Highway 4 Anchor Pavement project in order to continue work on the project during the peak summer activity period.”Hook said the delay will not affect the overall construction schedule and the project is still expected to be completed in the fall of 2030.Ebbets Pass is registered as a California Historic Landmark.
Challenging mountain roads
Repairing Ebbets Pass is not easy due to the terrain. The trail reaches an elevation of 8,050 feet at Pacific Grade Summit. While much of Highway 4 has two lanes, at higher elevations the road becomes narrow, steep and winding, with some sections reduced to a single lane. The highway is also closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Caltrans said the project will not widen the single-lane section.“Caltrans and contractors face many unique challenges when conducting construction along the scenic Pass Highway,” Caltrans spokesman Brian Hooker told SFGATE.“Some of these challenges include steep mountainous terrain, narrow highway corridors, possible short construction windows based on seasonal weather patterns, and providing accommodations for outdoor recreation and a local economy primarily based on tourism.”
repave the road
The project includes repaving the road with hot-mix asphalt and replacing aging infrastructure along the route.Caltrans will replace 66 drainage culverts, seven guardrails, 274 roadside signs and two overhead sign structures. Crews will also install new shoulder supports and asphalt berms as needed.The contract has been awarded to Teichert Construction Inc. of Sacramento. The improvements will benefit motorists, commercial vehicles and cyclists traveling between Bear Valley and Markleyville, including those traveling through Ebbets Pass, according to Caltrans.
Anticipated traffic restrictions
Drivers should prepare for traffic disruptions once construction begins. Work will primarily take place during the week, with staff expected to work from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.There will be one-way traffic controls along parts of the highway, with occasional road closures for the safety of workers and motorists.Caltrans said the Raymond Meadow Creek Bridge will be completely closed during part of the project.The agency added that work schedules may change based on traffic incidents, weather, equipment availability or other construction-related issues.
