Road Projects Ready To Be Tackled In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks This Summer

Road construction likely will cause traffic delays in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks this summer. NPS aerial photo of the Generals Highway in Sequoia.

Spring often coincides with road work in the national parks, and that's certainly no exception in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, which have a full slate of projects getting under way.

Indeed, the first project was scheduled to begin this past Monday. As park officials note, "(T)hese projects may cause significant traffic delays and occasional nighttime closures along park roads. Project and road delay schedules will be posted weekly at www.nps.gov/seki or are available by calling 559/565-3341 during normal business hours."

The following is a list of projects and estimated dates:

* Generals Highway Reconstruction, Deer Ridge to Amphitheatre Point—March 2010 through May, 2012

* Generals Highway Reconstruction, Little Baldy Summit to Wuksachi Road--April 2010 through July, 2010

* Parkwide Chip Sealing-- July 2010 through October, 2010

* Replace the Cedar Grove Bridge-- August 2010 through November, 2010

Other projects may include reconstructing the Halstead Meadow Bridge along the Generals Highway and replacing the Disney Bridge in Mineral King. Routine projects such as roadside brushing and culvert flushing may also cause brief delays.

Due to the parks' steep terrain and narrow roads, park officials say delays and/or temporary closures are necessary during construction to ensure the safety of workers and the public. As construction is weather dependent and cannot be completed when snow obstructs site access, projects can coincide with heavy visitation months. The parks are committed to mitigating impacts to visitors as much as possible during these times.