Project Description

The Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the US Forest Service, Inyo National Forest (INF), the Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML), and the National Park Service, Devils Postpile National Monument (DEPO) are proposing improvements to Reds Meadow Road. Reds Meadow Road is 8.3 miles long and provides the only access to several Inyo National Forest campgrounds, day use parking areas, trailheads, horse camp and equestrian facilities, Minaret Vista entrance station, Devils Postpile National Monument, and Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station. Reds Meadow is a popular area for outdoor recreation, including access for the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails, and is important to the local tourism economy during the summer. The proposed project includes reconstruction and widening of the upper 2.5 miles to two lanes and rehabilitating the existing two-lane pavement width in the lower 5.8 miles.

Purpose

The purpose of the overall project is to improve the deteriorated condition of Reds Meadow Road and improve mobility, so as to continue to provide access to recreational resources. These improvements would facilitate emergency responses in the valley and the U.S. Forest Service goal of enhancing traffic safety by reducing the likelihood of a vehicular crash.

Need

The need to improve the deteriorated condition and mobility on Reds Meadow Road is driven by the presence of the following roadway conditions and design deficiencies that affect its operational condition:

• Insufficient roadway widths
• Structurally deficient pavement conditions
• Sub-grade settlement and fill slope movement
• Poor surface drainage and non-functioning ditches
• Substandard sight distances, narrow shoulders, and road side hazards

For additional information about the project, visit the Mammoth Lakes, California website: http://www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov/index.aspx?NID=758

Official USFS Project Information Page https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd1127643”