Applications for snow chain installers are now available from CalTrans for mountain roadways.
By Michael P. Neufeld
Mountain Communities – Snow chain installers depend on Mother Nature to provide the snow needed before they can go to work.
Most chain installers love the snow and realize that their work locations move rapidly from place to place due to changing weather and road conditions.
But to qualify for the permit required by CalTrans to assist motorists for a fee established by the transportation agency, individuals must apply no later than Monday, September 24. CalTrans advises applicants to obtain a “Certificate of Mailing” from the U.S. Postal Service as that form will be required to resolve any possible disputes.
Applications should be mailed on or before the deadline date to: CalTrans Mountain Area Superintendent – 175 West Cluster Street – San Bernardino, CA 92408.
Click on CHAIN INSTALLER for the application spread sheet.
INSTALLER INFORMATION
A lottery will be conducted for all positions on all mountain routes with no preference to past permit holders.
Permit holders for last season are not required to test. However, testing for new applicants will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, at the Dry Creek Maintenance Station at 32821 Highway 18 in Running Springs. Applicants should bring any equipment they will be using to install chains during the performance portion of the test. The gates will be closed promptly at 9 a.m.
Persons who successfully pass the test are then required to attend a chain installer orientation/installer lottery meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, at the Dry Creek Maintenance Station.
Installer permits will be issued at that time and installers must pay the permit fee of $200 with a cashier’s check, personal check or money order. Installers will be issued a permit, vest, and photo identification badge. They will also need to provide their Social Security number.
ROUTES AVAILABLE
CalTrans will issue permits for the following routes in the mountain communities:
HIGHWAY 18 – From San Bernardino to Lucerne Valley (including Snow Valley) – 20 permits
HIGHWAY 330 – From Highland (I-210) to Running Springs (Highway 18) – 30 permits
HIGHWAY 38 – From Bryant Street to Hatchery Road – 20 permits
HIGHWAY 138 – From Highway 2 to Highway 15 and Highway 2 – 5 permits (good on both routes – San Bernardino County only)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information call the CalTrans Superintendent’s Office at (909) 867-2102. (213)
