Caltrans I-80 Winter Operations Meeting Recap

Last week, Caltrans held its annual I-80 Winter Operations meeting in Kingvale, CA. For the past few years Caltrans has held the meeting to provide a forum for carriers that transport goods and services through the Donner Pass region to receive key information prior to the winter season. Caltrans, CHP and National Weather Service representatives each provided carriers in attendance critical information from their respective agencies.

Caltrans discussed their personnel and equipment needs for the upcoming winter season. Once again if storms hit like they have previously, it will be an all hands on deck drill for Caltrans. What this means is that Caltrans will pull personnel and equipment from other less winter storm impacted Caltrans Divisions and redirect them to the Kingvale region. Caltrans’ Public Information Office recently created a contact list for carriers and motorists to utilize and receive up to the minute information and alerts. Caltrans is sending CTA a box of these postcards and CTA will distribute to its membership. If you want a Caltrans Information Postcard let CTA know. Caltrans also informed attendees that it is currently BETA testing a “Push Notification Alert System” that the public can utilize to receive timely alerts on road conditions on their phones or other hand held devices. As soon as this function is ready, CTA will alert its members. It was also suggested that carriers download the California Road Report app. This app provides chain control notifications for all roadways in California. You can download the California Road Report app on your phone.

Both CHP and Caltrans want CTA to remind its members regarding Chain Control and Chain Installation issues. Carriers remember when it’s the winter season always carry an adequate number of sets of chains. The Chain Advisory begins November 1st and lasts until April 30th. That means your trucks should carry chains during this timeframe. If chains are required you must have them installed. Caltrans also reminded carriers that it is illegal for chain installers to sell chains to the public. Make sure to tell your drivers to not purchase them from chain installers!!! Also, if your driver is paying to have chains installed, the price is now $30 per tire! Please refer to the Caltrans Chain Requirement sheet for more information 

A representative from the National Weather Service (NWS/NOAA) provided information about the upcoming winter season. If you would like to receive weather/storm information via e-mail alerts from the NWS/NOAA let CTA know.

CTA also gave an update on the nationally recognized Pusher Truck Program. The Pusher Trucks have been serviced and are ready for the upcoming winter season. Both CHP and Caltrans expressed their appreciation for CTA’s Pusher Trucks at the Winter Operations meeting. Remember, the Pusher Truck Program is only able to function through the generous contributions from CTA members. If you would like to make a contribution to the Pusher Truck Program, mail your contrbutions to: 

CTA Pusher Truck Fund,
Attn: Accounts Receivable
4148 E. Commerce Way
Sacramento CA 95834

For more information please contact Eric Sauer at esauer@caltrux.org.