Test May Result In Looser Restrictions For Tour Buses

By Bill Johnson Published Jul 28, 2006 04:50 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 01:55 pm

Sonora, CA — Tuolumne County may be seeing more tourism thanks to a test conducted by Cal-Trans Friday morning.

George Segarini with the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce says Highway 120 was closed at 10:00am to conduct a road test using a 45 foot tour bus.

Segarini says Cal-Trans will be studying photographs from the test to determine if 45 foot buses can safely travel the area.

Currently buses longer than 40 feet are not permitted on the highway. Segarini believes the restriction is preventing tourists from visiting Tuolumne County before entering Yosemite National Park.

The test involved two cars (one in front and one in back) and a helicopter taking photos while the bus made its way up and down the highway. Segarini says the county will be notified by Cal-Trans when the results of the test are in.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh