HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.31.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ Traffic Alert_ Don't Use GPS, Stay on the Highway During Winter Storms.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening
attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod;
Kitts, Melissa; Krater, Sharleen; Lee, Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney,
Kathleen; Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Cc:Edwards, Terry; Hightower, Scott; Nuzum, Danielle
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Traffic Alert: Don"t Use GPS, Stay on the Highway During Winter Storms
Date:Friday, January 2, 2026 9:21:44 AM
Please see Board Correspondence -
From: Caltrans District 3 <jeremy.linder@caltransdistrict3.ccsend.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 12:26 PM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: Traffic Alert: Don't Use GPS, Stay on the Highway During Winter Storms
Local Roads May Be in Worse Condition
Date: December 31, 2025
District: District 3 - Marysville
Sergio Aceves, District Director
Contact: Jeremy Linder (530) 701-5209
Don’t Use GPS, Stay on the Highway During Winter Storms
Local Roads May Be in Worse Condition
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists to not rely on their GPS devices during
winter storms and to stay on the highway. Local roads are often plowed less frequently and
can be in worse shape, leading motorists to become stranded and stretch emergency
services thin.
Changeable Message Signs along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 will be used to
remind motorists of these conditions, displaying safety messages such as “Stay on Route
50, Off Hwy Routes Not Plowed.”
During the winter storm over the busy holiday weekend, area search and rescue crews
were inundated with numerous calls for service, including a semi-truck stuck in a very rural
area of Sierra County.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving during a winter storm if possible. If motorists
must travel through the Sierra Nevada, it’s important to be prepared for chain controls,
additional travel times and delays. Do not use a GPS device to bypass chain control or
look for an alternate route. If the GPS appears to be rerouting, motorists should trust their
instincts and stay on the highway.
Caltrans strives to reduce the frequency and the length of delays on state highways due to
spinouts and collisions. During major storms when traffic flow is heavy, crews may meter
traffic. By letting fewer vehicles feed onto the highway, crashes and congestion are
reduced.
In the event of an extended delay, Caltrans advises a full tank of gas or full charge and
extra supplies. Those supplies include but are not limited to extra snacks, water, a blanket
and a flashlight.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for the next round of winter weather
later tonight and into the weekend. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday to
10 a.m. Sunday, January 4, where 1 to 3 feet of snow is expected above 5,500 feet and
wind gusts up to 45 mph.
In the Sacramento Valley and Delta, the forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain and up to 4
inches in the foothills. Motorists traveling in the valley should be prepared for wet weather,
additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning
headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.
For additional information motorists are encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any
updates and Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain
requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road
information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway
Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11
Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department issues updates on X
@CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3.
CleanWaterCA.com | #BeWorkZoneAlert | Instagram | Threads | YouTube
View as Webpage
Caltrans District 3 | 703 B St | Marysville, CA 95901 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact