The California state Department of Transportation pulled the plug on the opening of the new East Sonora Bypass Tuesday, leaving drivers, Tuolumne County officials, and even some CalTrans folks surprised and confused.

The acting Public Works Director for Tuolumne County, Darren Grossi, said Tuesday afternoon that the delay stemmed from the section of Mono Way that was being bypassed.

Months ago, the state of California and Tuolumne County were debating issues involving insurance liability and the lack of sidewalks and bike paths along the bypassed portion of Mono Way.

That seems to be what caused the delay Tuesday.

Although repeated calls from KVML News to numerous CalTrans officials went unanswered, state transportation department officials told county officials that they were responding to media inquiries.

New estimates put the opening date at least two weeks away.