CalTrans purchased more than 295,000 tons of abrasives and 12,000 tons of deicers at a cost of $3.5 million to melt snow and improve traction on mountain roads.

CalTrans repaired flood damage to Route 50 and facilitated the rapid re-opening of Route 50 in early 1997.

CalTrans, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation, identified potential slide locations on Route 50. Forty locations were identified for stabilization of slide material, armoring of the river bank, replacement and upgrading of drainage facilities and roadway paving. The contracted work should be completed by mid to late October 1997.

CalTrans installed slide monitoring equipment at 5 potential slide locations along Route 50. Response protocol for landslide activity was established through a 24-hour dispatch location.

CalTrans established the Route 50 Coalition of county officials, homeowners and businesses to meet periodically with the department to discuss plans, strategies and impacts of disasters on the community.

Actions Taken to Prepare for El Niño:

CalTrans will coordinate with county Office of Emergency Service (OES) offices and other emergency service providers to provide emergency response to floods and slides, and the department has updated its emergency response plans internally and with local response agencies.

Cal Trans, in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol and OES, has developed communications and decision- making protocols in the event that parts of the state highway system are closed or used to manage a storm-related emergency.

CalTrans maintains a fleet of 8,000 pieces of equipment in a state of readiness to respond immediately in the event of any weather-related storm damage.

Public Information Contact:

Jim Drago
916/654-4677