Caltrans Prepares for Winter Weather & High-Tidal Flooding

State of California • Department of Transportation
NEWS RELEASE
__________________________________________________________

Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Contact: RocQuel Johnson
Phone: (510) 286-4948 (desk) (510) 501-0446 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALTRANS PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER
AND HIGH-TIDAL FLOODING

This winter, with El Niño in the forecast, is predicted to be one of the wettest seasons in recent years. Caltrans is preparing for this upcoming winter in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Caltrans is cleaning and repairing drains, applying fresh striping on pavement, trimming trees, scaling rocks, clearing turnouts, and ensuring equipment is ready for deployment. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts strong winter weather. Caltrans is stocking extra supplies and equipment, such as sandbags, rockbags, vacuum pumps, and emergency generators.

Throughout the state, Caltrans is in the process of hiring 800 temporary maintenance workers to work on roadways this winter season. Caltrans reminds the public to tarp loads and place litter in appropriate waste bins when traveling throughout California’s highways, as litter can plug storm drains and cause flooding.

In Marin County, high-tidal flooding is expected in late-November, December, and January. Caltrans is partnering with Marin County to keep residents and visitors informed of high tide conditions. Effective November 20, the lower half of the Marin County Manzanita Park & Ride Lot and street parking along the nearby Shoreline Highway are closed and will remain closed when flooding occurs. Signs of the closure will be posted in these areas.

Residents are advised to use 511.org to find alternate routes and the District website for additional park & ride lot locations:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/highwayops/parkandride/.

Unusually high tides, known as “king tides”, are expected along the California coastline, affecting the counties of Marin and San Mateo.

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol advise motorists to:
 Plan ahead and check weather and road conditions before traveling.
 Utilize vehicle headlights during weather events: “See and be seen.”
 Reduce vehicle speed on wet surfaces and allow a safe following distance from other vehicles. Rain, oil, and dust equal slippery conditions and traction problems on roads.
 Pay attention to and follow flood warnings and barricades.
 Avoid driving through running or standing water. Avoid hydroplaning. Moving water can carry vehicles away.
 Drive with caution and allow plenty of space for Caltrans workers, CHP and emergency first responders.

For more information before and after storms, please use the following helpful links:

Chain Control/Tire Traction Device Chart: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ChainRequire.pdf

Road Closures Quickmap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Winter Driving Tips/Information: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm
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