California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 140

From Route 99 near Merced to Yosemite National Park near El Portal via Mariposa.

Post 1964 Signage History

As defined in 1963, this segment ran from "(b) Merced to Yosemite National Park near El Portal via Mariposa."

In 1976, Chapter 1354 changed the origin to "(b) Route 99 near Merced to …"

Pre 1964 Signage History

In 1934, Route 140 was signed along the route from Merced to Jct. Route 120 through Yosemite National Park via Mariposa. It was part of LRN 18. The segment from Merced to Mariposa was defined in 1909. From Mariposa to Yosemite National Park was defined in 1916. The portion from the old boundary of Yosemite National Park near Crane Flat to Route 120 was originally part of the route, defined in 1915, but was removed in 1943. There are points where this road has been rebuilt, and the old roadbed is still visible.

Currently, Route 120 enters Yosemite National Park in Tuolumne County via the modern Big Oak Flat Road. Originally Route 120 entered Yosemite National Park via the Old Tioga Pass Road and Route 140 entered via the Old Big Oak Flat Road. The Big Oak Flat Road is the second oldest highway into Yosemite just behind the Old Coulterville Road. Much of the alignment of Route 120 follows the path set out by the Big Oak Flat Road. Details on the history of the entrance into Yosemite and the changes in routing may be found in the Gribblenation Blog "Old California State Route 140 and California State Route 120 entrances to Yosemite National Park".
(Source: Gribblenation Blog "Old California State Route 140 and California State Route 120 entrances to Yosemite National Park")

Tom Fearer (Max Rockatansky) on AAroads notes that the alignment of Tioga Pass Road used to be very different in the early days of the state highway system. Route 120 took a turn on what is now Evergreen Road to Aspen Valley Road which used to be the original routing of Tioga Pass Road. Route 140 from Evergreen Road used the modern alignment of Route 120 to Yosemite National Park. The alignments can be seen very easily on the 1935 Tuolumne County Map. Tioga Pass Road originally traversed Aspen Valley way north of the modern road where it met up with the modern alignment of the road via White Wolf Road. Sometime between 1942 and 1944, Tioga Pass Road was moved to the modern realignment which resulted to changes to Route 120 and Route 140. Route 140 was cut back to the El Portal Entrance of Yosemite on the Merced River while Route 120 was rerouted off of Evergreen Road onto Big Oak Flat Road where Route 120 enters Yosemite today. The changes are reflected on the 1954 and 1955 state highway maps.
(Source: Tom Fearer (Max Rockatansky) on AARoads, 7/8/2017)

Route 140 east of Merced was one of the very first state highways to be commissioned (it was LRN 18) as an "all-weather" route into Yosemite. But like all roads built next to rivers to take advantage of the relatively low elevation, the trade-off is perennial flood damage.
(Source: Scott Parker (SParker) at AAroads, 7/26/2016)

Mariposa Rerouting At some point, Route 140 (LRN 18) was rerouted in Mariposa. The previous routing appears to correspond to 6th, Bullion Street, and 8th/Old Highway N.
(Source: Joel Windmiller, via Mariposa and History Page, 10/2022)

Status

Note: For a discussion of the Merced-Atwater Expressway and Campus Parkway to UC Merced, see Route 59.

In January 2008, the CTC relinquished right of way in the city of Merced, at Glen Avenue (~ MER 35.886), consisting of a reconstructed and relocated city street.

Bradley Overhead (~ MER 36.483 to MER 37.396)

In October 2006, the CTC had on its agenda a resolution for approval for future consideration of funding a project on Route 140 in Merced County for which a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) has been completed. The project is partially funded in the 2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) and Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) for $2,712,000 in the Regional Improvement Program (RIP). The total estimated project cost is $41,500,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008-2009. The project is referred to as the "Bradley Overhead and Replacement Project", and is just E of Merced (~ MER 037.07).

In August 2012, the CTC approved an additional $1,763,000 in funding in the city of Merced, from Marthella Avenue to Santa Fe Avenue at the Bradley Overhead (~ MER 36.483 to MER 37.396). The goal is to widen from 2 to 4 lanes with 2-way left turn lane and sidewalks. The funding should add 2.2 lane miles.

In January 2017, the CTC relinquished right of way in the city of Merced along Route 140 on Baker Drive (10-Mer-140 PM 36.8/37.2, between Parsons and E Santa Fe), consisting of collateral facilities. The City, by relinquishment agreement dated March 20, 2008 agreed to waive the 90-day notice requirement and accept title upon relinquishment by the State. At the same time, the CTC also authorized relinquishment of right of way in the county of Merced along Route 140 on Baker Drive and Santa Fe Avenue (10-Mer-140 PM 37.1/37.4), consisting of collateral facilities. The County, by relinquishment agreement dated July 31, 2007 agreed to waive the 90-day notice requirement and accept title upon relinquishment by the State.

Planada Intersection Improvements (10-Mer-140 43.5/43.9)

Rte 140 Planada Intersection In March 2021, the CTC amended the following project into the 2020 SHOPP: (1a) #17. 10-Mer-140 43.5/43.9 PPNO 3506 ProjID 1020000188 EA 1M170. Route 140 Near Planada, from west of Plainsburg Road to Sutter Street. Intersection improvements. PA&ED $1,090K; PS&E $1,530K; R/W Sup $410K; Con Sup $1,450K; R/W Cap $2,760K; Const Cap $4,520K TOTAL $11,760K. Begin const. 12/27/2024.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #17)

In March 2021, the CTC approved the following pre-construction support phase allocation(s): (2a) #19. $1,090,000 (PA&ED). 10-Mer-140 43.5/43.9. PPNO 10-3506; ProjID 1020000188; EA 1M170. Route 140 Near Planada, from west of Plainsburg Road to Sutter Street. Intersection improvements. (Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 20H-006; March 2021.) Prog. year 23-24.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #19)

In March 2023, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a ND has been completed: Route 140 in Merced County. Reduce the number and severity of broadside and head-on collisions by improving intersection control on SR 140, in Merced County. (10-Mer-140, PM 43.5/43.9, PPNO 3506). The project is located on Route 140 from postmile 43.5 to 43.9, in Merced County. The Department proposes to reduce the number and severity of broadside and head-on collisions at this location by constructing an intersection control improvement. In addition, project work will include sidewalks and American with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps. The project is fully funded and currently programmed in the 2022 SHOPP for a total of $11,760,000 which includes Right of Way (support and capital) and Construction (support and capital). Construction is estimated to begin 2024-25. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2022 SHOPP.
(Source: March 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(1))

In March 2023, the CTC approved the following pre-construction project support phase SHOPP (2a) or SB1 (2b) allocation: $2,002,000. 10-Mer-140 43.5/43.9. PPNO 10-3506; ProjID 1020000188; EA 1M170. Route 140 Near Planada, from west of Plainsburg Road to Sutter Street. Intersection improvements. Concurrent consideration of funding under Resolution E-23-30; March 2023. PS&E $1,530,00; R/W Sup $410,000 (Programmed) $472,000 (Allocated).
(Source: March 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #19)

In April 2021, it was reported that construction was starting on a project that will improve pedestrian safety and traffic conditions from the Route 140/ Route 49 south (~ MPA 21.238) junction to 12th Street (~ MPA 21.805) in Mariposa. Work is scheduled to be completed in winter 2021. The project will include installation of pedestrian-activated in-roadway warning lights, textured concrete crosswalks, sidewalk enhancements, historical style overhead lighting at intersections, ADA-compliant ramps with cast iron detectable warning pads, handrails, a raised textured concrete boardwalk within Art Park, and many more unique features. Caltrans’ design and engineering teams collaborated with Mariposa County and area residents to ensure the materials blend with the historical character of the Mariposa Town Historic District, which is on the National Register. The $5.7 million project was awarded to Ibarra General Engineering Inc. of Riverside, California.
(Source: Sierra Sun Times, 4/20/2021)

Briceberg Repair In March 2016, it was reported that Caltrans was holding public meetings regarding a project to repair a failed slope beneath an 84-inch reinforced concrete pipe culvert adjacent to the eastbound lane of Route 140 at PM MPA 32.2 in Mariposa County. Construction of a rockfilled gabion basket wall with stone base support/buttress is the proposed repair method to repair the failed slope and stop erosion from the culvert at this site. The purpose of the project, also known as the SR-140 Slope Repair Project, is to prevent further erosion of the slope and protect the highway and the associated culvert. Caltrans is the lead agency for the preparation of the environmental document for the project pursuant to both the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The location is S of Briceberg, between the two Bear Creek Bridges.
(Source: Sierra Sun Times, 3/23/2016)

Ferguson Slide Rock Shed / Major Damage Repair (10-MPA-140 42.0/42.7)

140 Ferguson On April 29, 2006, there was a huge landslide that covered about 300 feet of highway between Mariposa and Yosemite National Park. It is unclear if the original alignment can be repaired. On July 20, CalTrans started building a limited bypass around the slide area, and this was finished on July 31, 2006. Yosemite tourists are urged to enter the park via Route 120 from Oakdale or Route 41 from Fresno.

In May 2014, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project in Mariposa County that will construct repairs or a permanent bypass on a portion of Route 140 that was blocked and damaged by the Ferguson rockslide. The project is programmed in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total estimated cost is $132,550,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2015-16.

In June 2015, an update was provided on the Ferguson Project. The $133 million project will restore highway access to a section of Route 140 that was damaged by the Ferguson rock slide in 2006. The two phase project will result in a two-lane 750-foot rock shed along the existing route. Caltrans started the project in March 2015, when crews removed about 63,000 tons of rock and debris. Subsequent visual inspection of the exposed slope led Caltrans to reconsider the lateral design strategy for the rock shed. The approach transitioned to a wall structure that would require Caltrans to leave the remaining rock to help facilitate geotechnical bores and ultimately construct the rock shed. As of June 2015, the structure was designed to include two 12-foot-wide lanes, two 8-foot-wide outside shoulders and a 4-foot-wide emergency walkway on the river side. Motorists are currently constrained by one-way traffic control, using a temporary bypass route. Construction of the rock shed is anticipated to begin in 2016. The two lanes on the original alignment will be reopened once the project is complete. Other alternatives considers, but ultimately not selected, included Alternative T-3, which would have constructed a tunnel on a new alignment, tunneling into the west canyon wall, under the rockslide, and realigning with the existing highway, and the no-build alternative.
(Source: Merced Sun-Star, May 25, 2015, CaltransInformation Page)

In March 2016, it was reported that work will resume in summer 2016 on a $133 million effort to build a 750-foot rock shed and restore Route 140 from Mariposa to El Portal. It will include two 12-foot-wide lanes, two 8-foot-wide shoulders and a 4-foot-wide emergency walkway on the Merced River side. Work will last at least four more years.
(Source: SJ Mercury News, 3/18/2016)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Major Damage Restoration item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 10-Mariposa-140 PM 42.0/42.7 PPNO 0280 Proj ID 1014000148 EA 0P921. Route 140 near El Portal and Yosemite National Park, at 0.5 miles west of South Fork Merced River. Construct rock shed. This is a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) project. Programmed in FY20-21, with construction scheduled to start in April 2022. Total project cost is $203,100K, with $176,500K being capital (const and right of way) and $26,600K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.). Note that the Const ($175,000K) and Const Sup ($21,000K) phases are not authorized in the 2020 SHOPP.
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Major Damage Restoration item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 10-Mariposa-140 PM 42.0/42.7 PPNO 0280B Proj ID 1020000099 EA 0P923. Route 140 near El Portal and Yosemite National Park, 0.5 miles west of South Fork Merced River. Early Work Package No. 1 for Ferguson Slide Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) parent project EA 0P921. Remove rock talus. Programmed in FY20-21, with construction scheduled to start in September 2020. Total project cost is $35,000K, with $27,000K being capital (const and right of way) and $8,000K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

Caltrans News in December 2020 provided an update on the project. The Ferguson Project, as it is known, is the largest public works project in tiny Mariposa County’s history, likely rivaled only by the building of Route 140 itself in the early 1920s – 1922 being the date stamped on most of the historic bridges along the route. The history of the project includes a couple of massive slides at the famously unstable slope in the Wild and Scenic Merced River canyon. During the darkness sometime in the early morning hours on a December morning in 2006, a small shift of the earth caused a massive rockfall burying Route 140 in Mariposa County under 800,000 cubic yards of rock, enough to fill nearly 44,500 full-sized dump trucks. Work had been proceeding on the project when, in November 2015, there was another massive slide. The slope was reexamined. Once it was determined that a rock shed was still viable for a project, it became clear immediately that the original plan for traditional “cast-in-place” construction was no longer viable. Caltrans designers from District 10 and Central Region (including Grant Schuster and Caroline Reyes), developed an innovative solution to construct a 750-foot, segmentally constructed launched rock shed structure on the same alignment that will be built outside of the rock fall zone and then launched into place. The installed segments will provide shelter for workers so that the entire process takes place under the protective cover of the structure as each segment is moved into place. Project alternatives considered along the way included exploring options to bore a tunnel through the mountain, build a bridge around it, or building a protective rock shed over the roadway. Building the rock shed was determined to the best solution as it maintained the existing road alignment, resulting in less land disturbance and helping protect such creatures as the threatened limestone salamander. The new design dramatically increases protection for workers and will help protect the project schedule and budget. During the Summer of 2020, the Ferguson Slide’s rock fragments, otherwise known as talus, were re-attacked. Crews "trimmed" loose rocks from the slope, basically knocking down overhanging rocks and other unstable areas. In Summer 2021, the bulk of the road-blocking talus will be removed. During those talus-removal operations, Caltrans engineers keeps a close eye on safety and is prepared to employ remote-controlled machinery when needed. Construction of the rock shed, which is still in the design phase, is scheduled for summer 2022. Although funding for the estimated $238 million project has not yet been fully secured, the plan is to proceed on that timetable. The rock shed has been deemed the safest and fastest way to re-open that long-buried stretch of Route 140.
(Source: Caltrans News 2020, Issue 2)

In January 2021, the CTC approved the following allocation: #11. $30,717,000. Mariposa 10-Mpa-140 42.0/42.7. PPNO 10-0280B ProjID 1020000099 EA 0P923. Route 140 Near El Portal and Yosemite National Park, 0.5 miles west of South Fork Merced River. Early Work Package No. 1 for Ferguson Slide Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) parent project EA 0P921. Outcome/Output: Early work package to remove rock talus from slide location. Allocation division: CON ENG $8,000,000; CONST $27,000,000. (Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-14-20; May 2014.)
(Source: January 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #11)

In March 2021, it was reported that Caltrans was preparing to perform work at the site of the Ferguson Rock Shed project on Route 140 in Mariposa County. In the first phase of an ambitious rock shed construction project, workers will remove overhanging boulders and rubble from the slope where a rock slide blocked the roadway. Crews are scheduled to conduct this work during daytime hours beginning in April 2021 and continuing into the winter season of 2021. Construction of the rock shed is scheduled to begin the summer of 2022. In May 2021, Caltrans announced the District 10 Ferguson Rock Shed Project web page that has details about the project, as well as photos, and a link to a live web cam positioned across the work site. There is also a Road2Yosemite140 Facebook page that provides updates, photos, videos and much more.
(Source: Sierra Sun Times, 3/18/2021; Sierra News Online, 5/12/2021)

In June 2021, the CTC approved a request for an additional $5,040,000 in Capital Outlay Support (COS), for the SHOPP Major Damage (Permanent Restoration) project on Route 140 (10-MPA-140 42.0/42.7), in Mariposa County, to complete the Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E) project phase. The SHOPP Major Damage (Permanent Restoration) project is located on Route 140, in/near the Town of El Portal, in Mariposa County. Route 140 is an important all-weather transportation link for Yosemite National Park. This project is also known as the Ferguson Slide Rock Shed Construction (PPNO 10-0280; ProjID 1014000148; EA 0P921), and the project proposes to construct a rock avalanche shed. This project was initially programmed in 2012 SHOPP. The first phase of the construction project was awarded in 2015. In November 2015, another rockfall occurred at the site causing the project team to reconsider the project scope and strategy. As a result, additional studies were needed and the funding for the remainder of the project was de-programmed. As further geotechnical studies were completed, the project was reprogrammed for delivery in fiscal year 2021-22 for $175 millions in construction capital. The PS&E phase was allocated in August 2017 for $5,500,000, and with the available G-12 authority of $750,000, the total phase budget was $6,250,000. Currently, the PS&E phase is 60 percent complete, and the total remaining phase budget is $732,000. The available budget is insufficient to complete the phase.
(Source: June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(3))

Cost increase rationale: The Route 140 Ferguson Slide is one of six projects procured by the Department under the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) pilot program authorized by Assembly Bill No. 2498. During the PS&E of this project, the design of the rock shed significantly changed. Further, to accommodate the new field conditions related to the slide event in 2015, talus removal operations were implemented to prepare the site for the “cast in place” rock shed. However, the team decided to use a new construction method requiring less exposure to the slide, in lieu of the “cast in place” method. In 2018, PS&E was allocated for $5.5 million to get the project started with redesigning the rock shed. The $5.5 million for support cost was an estimated amount that was based on historical data for a “cast in place” rock shed design, since the scope of work had not been defined. The new design required significant effort between the Construction Manager (CM) and the Department to evaluate multiple structure types and develop a constructible method. The Department looked into an accelerated schedule to begin construction of the rock shed in 2022. This would require new task orders for geotechnical studies/recommendations, peer review, and structure design check. In 2020, $2.85 million of the $5.5 million PS&E allocation was used to amend the CMGC contract for preliminary engineering services. These funds allowed the CM to partner with subcontractors specializing in geology and moving heavy structures for input during the design process. It also provides some advance rock shed work using the preconstruction services contract. A design of this complexity requires many staff working on the project full time to meet delivery in 2022. There are multiple task orders for geotechnical studies, structure design check, and structures peer review, and design of the rock shed needs to be further developed into a complete PS&E package. Environmental can finalize the Wild and Scenic Route Determination and secure any necessary permits.
(Source: June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(3))

The discussion in the agenda item also notes that if the additional funds are not approved, the Department will not be able to complete the design of this project and plans will remain at 60 percent. The $22.7 million for construction capital has already been allocated for the Phase 1 talus removal. The talus removal is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2021 at which time the site would be ready for the rock shed construction. If PS&E for the rock shed design is not complete, potential slides could occur which would require another talus removal contract. As of 2021, this all-weather route has been closed for 15 years resulting in impacts to motorists, local economy, and goods movement. Additionally, the temporary bridges currently located at the site are nearing the end of their service life.
(Source: June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(3))

In August 2021, it was reported that Caltrans has completed the process of dislodging overhanging rocks at the site of the Ferguson rock slide and will begin removing more than 100,000 tons of rocks as it continues the Ferguson Rock Shed project on Route 140 in the Merced River Canyon. Approximately 20 trucks, each with 20 tons of capacity, will remove as many as 80 total loads from the site per day. The work is scheduled to occur during daytime hours Monday through Friday from August until November 2021.More than 140,000 tons of rocks (talus) will be cleared, making way for workers to construct a 675-foot long shed that will protect motorists from future slides and restore full access for the community of El Portal and visitors to Yosemite National Park on Route 140 in Mariposa County. Travelers can access El Portal and Yosemite National Park on Route 140 via the existing temporary vehicle bridges over the Merced River or take Route 120 into the park. Construction of the shed is scheduled to begin in spring 2022 and is anticipated to continue through 2027.
(Source: Caltrans Dist. 10 on FB, 8/9/2021)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following NEW Long Lead Bridge Preservation item of interest: 10-Mariposa-140 PM 37.0/43.3 PPNO 3299 Proj ID 1013000010 EA 0X760. Route 140 near Midpines, at Slate Gulch Bridge No. 40-0006, Sweetwater Creek Bridge No. 40-0007, and South Fork Merced River Bridge No. 40-0008. Replace bridges. Note: The duration of environmental requirement for a Wild and Scenic River report will take over 40 months to complete. Programmed in FY25-26, with construction scheduled to start in September 2026. Total project cost is $41,060K, with $23,030K being capital (const and right of way) and $18,030K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.). Only the PA&ED programming of $4,520K is authorized.
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

Portions of what appears to be this route within the National Park are maintained by the Federal Government. They have some interesting highway signs, illustrated at http://wwtl.info/ca-140.html.

Naming

Special Agent Richard (Rick) K. Oules Memorial Highway The portion of Route 140 from Arboleda Drive to Plainsburg Road in the County of Merced (~ MER 40.788 to MER 43.71) is named the "Special Agent Richard “Rick” K. Oules Memorial Highway". It was named in memory of Special Agent Richard “Rick” K. Oules, who was born in 1956 in Merced, California. Special Agent Oules received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in management from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Special Agent Oules began his law enforcement career in 1977, with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a Patrol Deputy, Narcotics Detective, and Patrol Sergeant. In 1987, he joined the Department of Justice as a Special Agent and was assigned to the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, where he worked on and supervised a clandestine lab enforcement team resulting in the investigation and dismantling of approximately 300 methamphetamine laboratories. In 2005, he was appointed as the Director of the Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement, where he oversaw one of the largest state investigative law enforcement agencies in the United States. Special Agent Oules retired from the department in 2008 and, after a short break, joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, as a Law Enforcement Coordinator, where he served until his death. Special Agent Oules was recognized for his many achievements by being awarded the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations’ Top Manager Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership. Special Agent Oules was the past President of the California Narcotic Officers’ Association (CNOA), served on the CNOA Executive Board of Directors and the Executive Board of Directors of the California Peace Officers’ Association, and was appointed to the California Council on Criminal Justice. On April 4, 2011, Special Agent Oules died at 55 years of age after a courageous battle with lung cancer, which was determined to be a result of his frequent long-term exposure to the large number of chemicals and solvents found in methamphetamine laboratories. Named by Senate Concurrent Resolution 77, Res. Chapter 75, on June 26, 2014.
(Image source: Merced Sun-Star; Dignity Memorial)

Between the Merced county line near Planada and Yosemite National Park (~ MER 50.301/MPA 0.000 to MPA 50.32), this segment is named the Central Yosemite Highway. It was named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 27, Chapter 69, in 1989.

The five-mile portion of Route 140 north of its intersection with Route 49 (MPA 18.511 to MPA 23.511) is named the CAL FIRE Firefighter Braden Varney Memorial Highway. Name in memory of Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Braden Varney, who passed away in the line of duty on July 14, 2018, at 36 years of age, while battling the Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County, California. Braden Varney was born in Mariposa County in May 1982, and was raised there. Varney was a 10-year veteran of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, having followed in the footsteps of his late father, Gordie Varney, another department heavy fire equipment operator who also perished in the line of duty. Throughout Braden’s life, he generously donated thousands of dollars worth of time and equipment to build and maintain the road to the Barrier-Sweetwater Youth Camp in Mariposa County. Braden and his father simply loved Sam Hensley’s vision and wanted to support “getting the kids to camp”. On July 14, 2018, Braden was operating his bulldozer on the Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County and, during the early morning hours, his bulldozer experienced a rollover that resulted in Braden’s passing. It was named by ACR 47, Res. Chapter 108, Statutes of 2019, on 07/08/19.
(Image source: Sierra News Online)

This segment is also named the "All Year Highway". This is a historic name.

Named Structures

Agua Fria Historical Plaque There is a historical monument and plaque dedicated to the community of Agua Fria placed within the right-of-way of Route 140, in Mariposa County, at a site that is located near the junction of State Highway Route 140 and Agua Fria Road (~ MPA 16.592). Agua Fria was the first county seat of Mariposa County. The monument and plaque was placed by the Matuca Chapter of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. Authorized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 140, Chapter 96, July 12, 2000. The plaque reads: "Agua Fria. Discovered by Sonoran miners in the early summer of 1849. It was located about a quarter mile above the two springs of cold water from which the town derived its name. Agua Fria was the first county seat from Feb. 18, 1850 to Nov. 10, 1851. During this time the town consisted of about a dozen stores, three card monte, faro tables, a billiard room, hotel and bowling alley. The town of Agua Fria soon declined, when in 1852 the town of Mariposa became the seat of government. On June 22, 1866 a fire broke out which destroyed the entire town and it was never rebuilt. Dedicated by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus, April 1, 2000 (6005), Credo Quia Absurdum"
(Image source: Noehill.Com)