The closure is part of the Sonora Junction Shoulders Project and is scheduled to commence on Sept. 4 between Bridgeport and State Route 108, according to officials in an Aug. 5 statement.
The construction work began back in May.
This project aims to widen the shoulders of the highway to 8 feet. Additionally, Caltrans is working on adding retaining walls and slopes with anchored mesh to the wildlife crossing area.
Caltrans has identified this stretch of Highway 395 as a “crossing hotspot” for herds of mule deer. They also noted that there have been 69 reported wildlife collisions in the area since 2002.
Officials mentioned that two crossing installations will be constructed under the freeway, featuring “plate pipe” archway under-crossings that are over 70 feet in length and more than 9 feet in height. These tunnels will provide a safe passage for wildlife without exposing them to traffic.
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It is hoped that these crossing points, along with strategically placed fencing, will significantly reduce wildlife mortality rates in the area.
Caltrans has stated that only local traffic between Bridgeport and Birchman Flat Road will have access to Highway 395 during the closure. Other drivers heading north towards Holbrook Junction will be redirected through the nearby communities of Walker, Coleville, and Topaz.
All other northbound drivers are advised to take detours via State Route 182 through Bridgeport and Nevada State Route 338.
Officials have also outlined that southbound traffic from Nevada can utilize Southbound Route 208 at Holbrook Junction and then proceed on the southbound Nevada State Route 338.
