Yosemite Icons To Be Repaired

Yosemite, CA — Yosemite National Park crews are set to begin repairs to the Big Oak Flat Tunnels and visitors will be impacted for the next three months.

The tunnels, which are a scenic entrance to the park, are located along Big Oak Flat Road/Hwy 120.  The three tunnels were built in 1937.  The Big Oak Flat Tunnel Preservation Project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 17 and run through May 20, 2015.

Park spokesperson Ashley Mayer says, “It [repairs] will include things like sealing of the tunnel linings, improving the drainage systems, and cleaning the interiors.”

Motorists can expect delays during the overhaul, as there will be controlled traffic and pilot car operations.  Here is the park’s schedule for the traffic delays:

Sunday evenings from 10:00 p.m. to Friday afternoons at 4:30 p.m.

• 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., 2 hour delays
• 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 15 minute delays
• 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 30 minute delays

Currently, crews are not scheduled to work weekends and holidays.  However, park officials say that is subject to change, depending on scheduling deadlines for the project.