Dynamite used to destroy massive boulders that fell onto Hwy 4

Two massive boulders that fell onto State Route 4 at Ebbetts Pass in Alpine County have been removed by dynamite.

On March 26, crews from Caltrans District 10 responded to a report of boulders in the roadway, and there they found two boulders on the roadway, which has been closed for the winter season. One was estimated to be 300 tons and measured 16’ tall x 25’ wide x 18’ thick while the other was about 100 tons and 14’ tall x 20’ wide x 10’ thick.

Caltrans crews used approximately 30 pounds of explosive material to detonate the boulders which created about 700 yards of rock.

The Alpine County Sheriffs Office said crews drilled 58 holes into the rocks to place the dynamite.

The smaller boulder detonation on April 6 is in the attached video provided by Caltrans. The larger boulder was taken care of on April 8.

According to Skip Allum of Caltrans District 10, they are working diligently to clear debris, remove snow and make needed highway repairs so they can open SR4 by Memorial Day Weekend.