Sonora Highway 49 Culvert Emergency Repairs Bring Lane Shift and Parking Changes

SONORA — November 7, 2026. Motorists, pedestrians and transit riders face changes on Stockton Street as Caltrans begins a $1.2 million emergency drainage repair on Highway 49 involving a partially collapsed culvert that is approximately 150 years old.

Where and when work takes place

The traffic shift was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday, November 6, between Green Street and the Downtown Plaza. Caltrans expects weekday construction from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while altered lanes may remain in place outside work hours. Drivers should plan for delays of approximately five to ten minutes and consider other routes.

Changes beyond traffic lanes

On-street parking in the work area will be unavailable. The south-side sidewalk is due to close, with pedestrians diverted to the opposite side of Highway 49. The south-side bus stop is being moved to the Bank of America area at Stockton and Washington streets. The project will replace drainage infrastructure and allow the deteriorating old culvert to be decommissioned safely.

Completion target

Caltrans expects the expedited work to finish in early December, subject to conditions on site. The project is part of infrastructure preparations for potential El Niño-related storms. The announcement describes scheduled restrictions, not a complete closure of all downtown access. Check current Caltrans notices before travel.

Source: myMotherLode, November 4, 2026, citing Caltrans.

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