Navigating the Mother Lode: Road Work Alert! If you’re planning to hit the roads in the Mother Lode region this week, you’ll want to read this—because delays are coming, and they’re bringing a few surprises. But here’s where it gets tricky: multiple highways will see one-way traffic control, and some routes are already closed for the winter. Are you prepared for the detour dance? Let’s break it down.
First, let’s talk about the rock slide cleanup on HWY 140 near Incline and Cedar Lodge, which was swiftly cleared on January 13, 2026. While that issue is resolved, other challenges await. From now through Saturday, January 24, 2026, several key highways will experience disruptions due to construction, tree work, and utility repairs. And this is the part most people miss: these delays aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can add 5 to 10 minutes to your travel time, or more if you’re caught off guard.
Here’s the lowdown on what to expect:
Highway 4: One-way traffic control between Appaloosa Road and Stallion Way for highway construction. This kicks off on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., continues Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and wraps up on Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why it matters: This stretch is a busy corridor, so plan ahead or consider alternate routes.
Highway 26: Tree work will cause one-way traffic control in three separate areas: Church Street to Ridge Road, Lower Dorray Road to Barney Way, and Stanley Road to Iris Way. All of these will run from Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The catch: Tree work can be unpredictable, so delays might extend if crews encounter unexpected challenges.
Highway 49: Utility work and tree removal will impact travel. From Gun Club Road to Six Mile Creek, expect one-way traffic on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, tree work from Von Kleiben Road to Rawhide Road will take place on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Controversial question: Are these utility and tree projects coordinated efficiently, or could better planning reduce disruptions?
Highway 108: Tree work from Bonanza Drive to West Long Barn Road will cause one-way traffic from Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pro tip: This route is popular for scenic drives, so consider rescheduling your trip if possible.
Highway 120: Tree work from Old Priest Grade Road to Tenaya Elementary School will run Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fun fact: This area is close to Yosemite National Park, so tourists should take note.
Now, for the big closures: Caltrans has officially shut down Highway 4/Ebbetts Pass, Highway 89/Monitor Pass, Highway 108/Sonora Pass, and Highway 120/Tioga Pass in Yosemite for the winter season. Bold statement: While these closures are necessary for safety, they highlight the region’s vulnerability to seasonal weather. Are we doing enough to prepare for these annual disruptions?
Caltrans reminds drivers to stay cautious, especially during overnight and early morning hours when icy conditions are most likely. Don’t forget to carry chains, and remember: #DontCrowdThePlow. Thought-provoking question: With climate change altering weather patterns, should we reconsider how we manage winter road closures?
All this work is scheduled as listed, but it’s subject to change due to weather, equipment issues, or unexpected incidents. For your safety and the safety of workers, Be Work Zone Alert. And if you’re curious about non-Caltrans roadwork, check out our local traffic news story list here.
So, what do you think? Are these roadwork projects a necessary nuisance, or could they be managed better? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
