Donnell Vista Point Emergency Rock Removal Project

Donnell Vista Point Emergency Rock Removal Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes an emergency project to remove rocks and debris that have fallen from the eastbound cut slop of State Route 108 onto the shoulder and traveled way near the Donnell vista Point, east of the community of Strawberry in Tuolumne County. The existing traveled way has been damages, and there is noticeable buckle in the highway pavement where a 12 foot by 12 foot by 10 foot boulder landed adjacent to State Route 108, compromising the safety of the traveling public. The scope of work for the proposed project includes: blasting and removing rocks and debris adjacent to State Route 108; and saw-cutting, removal, and replacement of an approximately six foot square area of damaged highway pavement. If during construction other rocks on the eastbound cut slope appear to be unstable they would be removed. Construction would occur on previously-disturbed areas and on the eastbound cut slope of State Route 108 within Caltrans' right of way. Removed rock and debris would be relocated to an existing rock disposal site nearby. No trees would be removed. Minor vegetation removal may be required. No detour is required; one lane traffic control is being proposed as well as a two hour highway closure approved by the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans staff. State Route 108 is closed for the winter approximately eight miles east of the proposed location and is due to re-open on May 15, 2009. This project qualifies as an emergency project pursuant to Section 15269(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Section 15269(b) states that a project is exempt from CEQA if it proposes "Emergency repairs to publicly or privately owned service facilities necessary to maintain service essential to the public health, safety or welfare."

Tuolumne