Pavement Preservation Project Update

from Jerry Torres, NPS

The Pavement Preservation Project chip seal application has been delayed until Monday 9/12.  The contractor has fallen behind in their schedule of work in other areas of the park as well as not finalized a traffic plan for the Mineral King work.  To date the contractor is still planning on utilizing scheduled pass thrus, tentatively a mid morning road shutdown to begin the road work, a mid day pass thru, and opening the road at the end of the work day.  What remains unclear is the construction duration period, locations of the traffic closure points, the hour of the mid day pass thru, the daily termination of work time, the coordination plan for passing project traffic (chip trucks) around the traffic closure zone in particular line of vehicles at closure zone, and other incidental matters. The contractor assures me he will have the information the first of next week (8/29).  I'm sorry, I was hoping to have concrete/firm information by now.

Given the waning summer season the tentative start date is subject to change due to inclement weather as well as low ambient and surface temperatures.

On other matters the park will continue staging material for the Disney (Roads End) Bridge Project  next week, with bridge reconstruction beginning Sept. 12th and the closure of the bridge the same day. Temporary pedestrian and ATV type access will be available, once the bridge is closed.

Once I receive further specifics pertaining to the Pavement Preservation (chip seal) Project I will pass it on to you.

Happy Trails
Jerry

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Disney Bridge Replacement

The Disney Bridge will be closed from
9/12 through 10/20
May open earlier as work is completed

-All vehicles must be removed from south side of Disney Bridge prior to 7am on 9/12.
-No vehicle access south of bridge after 7am on 9/12
-Parking will be available for residents north of Disney Bridge along road shoulder and behind “Bridge Out Ahead” barricade during construction period.
-Pedestrian and utility vehicle access available for southside resident access during bridge construction.
-Resident vehicles will be issued “NPS Authorized Vehicle” windshield placards to alleviate public parking beyond barricade. More details to follow or inquire at Ranger Station.

Pavement Preservation Project Update for Period 8/22 - 9/2

August 22 - 26 and August 29 - September 2
Rolling short-term delays with pilot car escorting traffic. Traffic delays will be intermittent and short in duration with 15 minute maximum delays.

Chainsaw Usage in Mineral King

Good Morning,

Please see attached letter (hard copies will be in the mail to permit holders this week), which should clarify the use of chain saws in MK.

If you have any additional questions please call, thank you.

Christine Smith
Management Assistant

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271

phone 559 565-3105
fax 559 565- 4202


Click here to view the entire letter from Karen Taylor-Goodrich regarding this issue.

Comment Period fot Environmental Assessment

The comment period for the NPS Environmental Assessment closes on July 14. For more information, please see the news page article at http://news.mineralking.us/2011/06/mineral-king-environmental-assessment.html

Gravel for Drives

From time to time some of our drives need an application of gravel (or DG or aggregate base) to prevent erosion. There is, however, a need to be sure that we don't import any non-native plant seeds along with it. Neither the NPS nor we want to introduce any problem plants (weeds, etc.) into the park.

Accordingly, if you need to bring up a load of gravel, once you have located a source – but before you purchase the material – please advise the vendor that the NPS will be by to inspect the material and certify that it is seed free.

Then please give Christine Smith a call at 559-565-3105. If the Park Service is not already familiar with the vendor, it will dispatch someone to inspect the material. Christinehas promised that the process will be completed within ten days.

Access Information

There is a contractor preparing for the "Chip seal" process, by identifying and repairing problem spots in the Park's portion of the road. This may make the road a little more intimidating to some, since drivers are required to dodge cones which identify potholes and dips in the road. There will be crews working on the road, so keep a close watch for signs and crew if you go up especially during the work week. There may be heavy equipment going up or down

Also the Disney parking lot bridge will be removed & rebuilt (a pedestrian bridge built first but during the removal access will not include cars. More information will be posted as it becomes available.