The rainy winter is at least part of the reason that Cal Trans has begun a rock and debris removal project off Highway 49 north of Nevada City that will cause some traffic headaches for the next month or so. That’s between Newtown and Tyler Foote/Birchville Roads. Spokesperson Liza Whitmore says they do frequent routine inspections of highways, especially this time of year…

click to listen to Liza Whitmore

Whitmore says rock scaling will need to be used and it’s quite interesting to watch…

click to listen to Liza Whitmore

Boulders might also have to be blasted apart, with a complete highway closure necessary. Whitmore says the project will be done during daytime hours, or 7am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, weather permitting, with completion scheduled for February 28th. One-way traffic controls will be in effect, with possible 15 minute delays. Highway 49 north of Nevada City has also been hit with a number of mudslides this winter.