Is it WoodMEN or WoodMAN?

    The original 1950 subdivision map of the Mammoth Camp Tract in the Old Mammoth Neighborhood named the street WoodMEN. However at some point in the past, street signs (and some maps e.g. Google) have erroneously been changed to WoodMAN. The Town is working to correct these errors.

    Where is the proposed new bus turnaround location in the Old Mammoth neighborhood?

    The new proposed location is at the SE corner of Woodmen St and Old Mammoth Rd.

    What size bus will be able to utilize the new turnaround?

    The Town has designed the turnaround to accommodate one full size (40ft) transit bus, which will also accommodate the Town Trolley and smaller buses. Final decision on which type of bus will provide service has not yet been made.

    What amenities are proposed to be located at the Woodmen Turnaround?

    1. Paved turnaround area
    2. Small bus shelter (same as the Hillside shelter near the Westin)
    3. ADA accessible Pedestrian ramp
    4. Bike rack
    5. 2 Car parking spaces
    6. Please take the online survey at www.engagemammothlakes.com regarding Old Mammoth bus stop locations and other transit service topics.

    Why can't the bus just continue to turn around at Club Dr / Snowcreek Athletic Club like it does now?

    With the ongoing construction of Snowcreek 7 “The Lodges”, the existing turnaround at Club Drive (Snowcreek Athletic Club) will be removed. The Town and ESTA are currently proposing to extend the Red Line and Town Trolley further along Old Mammoth Road to turn around at the proposed Woodmen St turnaround. Final decisions regarding this service have not yet been made.

    Why can’t the bus turn around further up Old Mammoth Rd (e.g. at the lower Red Fir Rd intersection) the way it used to?

    The intersection of Lower Red Fir Rd does not provide enough turnaround area for either a trolley or a full sized bus. In order to accommodate larger vehicles, Old Mammoth Road would need to be widened by 16-18 feet. Also, the grade of the road at this location (steeper than lower down) is problematic for larger vehicles in the winter snow conditions, even with chains on the tires.

    Why can’t the bus make a loop through Red Fir Rd to turn around instead?

    The steep grade of the road at this location is problematic for larger vehicles in the winter snow conditions, even with chains on the tires, particularly if starting from a full stop. The upper intersection of Red Fir Rd, which falls at a steep corner, is not suitable for large vehicles. Also, the impact to residents on the local neighborhood street would be higher than along Old Mammoth Road arterial street.

    How long are buses going to idle, making noise and emitting diesel fumes, at the Woodmen turnaround?

    The Town and ESTA do not intend for buses to be idling at the Woodmen St turnaround site any longer than necessary to drop off and pick up passengers as part of a regular schedule. Any “headway” (the distance or timing between buses) and driver breaks that need to occur along the route are planned to either continue to take place at Club Drive (Snowcreek Athletic Club) or at the future Community Recreation Center (CRC) following its completion next summer.

    What is the CEQA Environmental process for construction of the proposed Woodmen Turnaround?

    The project is statutorily exempt under Section 15268, Ministerial Projects, as the only permit required for the project is a building permit for the bus shelter, which would also include the minor grading and paving under the standard grading provisions in the Town Municipal Code. Section 21080 of the Public Resources Code exempts from the application of CEQA those projects over which public agencies exercise only ministerial authority.

    How does the Town plan to address glare from headlights affecting neighboring properties?

    Boulders and/or landscaping are proposed to provide a buffer for neighboring properties to the greatest extent possible.

    How does the Town and ESTA intend to address safety, given the complex 3-way intersection of Woodmen St, Mill St, and Old Mammoth Rd?

    The Woodmen St turnaround has been designed so that bus traffic enters the site from the north (just east/downhill of the intersection with Woodmen St). The bus will turn clockwise and stop in front of the small shelter located directly across from the Mill St intersection. Woodmen St will be widened here to accommodate the bus and allow vehicles to pass by in both directions as necessary. The bus will then make a right-turn exit from Woodmen St back onto Old Mammoth Rd. This clockwise direction of bus traffic combined with the localized widening of Woodmen St minimizes conflict at the 3-way Woodmen/Mill/Old Mammoth intersection, increases sight distance for the bus making the left turn into the site (by turning slightly before Woodmen St), and also provides an exit onto Old Mammoth Rd at an already-established location. 

    How does the Town plan to address snow removal and storage from the additional pavement?

    The Town intends to clear snow from the turnaround along with snow removal on Old Mammoth Rd and Woodmen St. The proposed project has been designed to include adequate snow storage area directly east/downhill of the turnaround pavement area.

    What opportunities does the public have to learn about the proposed project and voice their comments and concerns about the Woodmen Turnaround and transit service to the Old Mammoth Road neighborhood?

    • Please take the online survey at www.engagemammothlakes.com regarding Old Mammoth bus stop locations and other transit service topics.              
    • On-site Open House, Thursday May 20, 4-6PM, at 2125 Old Mammoth Rd (corner of Old Mammoth Rd and Woodmen St)
    • Planning and Economic Development Commission (PEDC) meeting, Wednesday July 14, 2PM - at Suite Z or online via Zoom:

    PEDC ZOOM INFORMATION Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://monocounty.zoom.us/s/94467884456

    Or join by phone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592

    Callers - To Raise your hand press *9, To Unmute/Mute press *6 Webinar ID: 944 6788 4456

    International numbers available: https://monocounty.zoom.us/u/aeHBYOcpOu

    • Town Council meeting Wednesday August 18
    • For more information or questions, please contact:

    Amy Callanan, PE
    Town of Mammoth Lakes
    Associate Engineer
    acallanan@townofmammothlakes.ca.gov
    760-965-3657.

    Where can I find more in-depth analysis and history of transit service to the Old Mammoth neighborhood?

    Click to take a look at this Limited Route Service Analysis prepared by ESTA in July of 2019.

    What other transit service changes are currently proposed in Town?

    1.    With the ongoing construction of the Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park, a new bus pullout and shelter will be constructed just south of the park entrance on the west side of Old Mammoth Road. The Town and ESTA are proposing to relocate regional transit service to this location (from the current Vons parking lot), and also to re-route the Red Line and Town Trolley to stop here and use the CRC for “headway” and driver breaks. 

    2.    With the ongoing construction of Snowcreek 7 “Creek House”, the existing turnaround at Club Drive (Snowcreek Athletic Club) will be removed and replaced by a bus pull-out stop on Old Mammoth Road near the Club Drive/Ski Trail intersection. The Town and ESTA are proposing to extend the Red Line and Town Trolley further along Old Mammoth Road to turn around at the proposed Woodmen St turnaround.

    3.    With the upcoming construction of affordable housing at “The Parcel”, the Town and ESTA will be evaluating the best way to provide service to the new development prior to anticipated completion of Phase 1 in 2023, which will be accessed via an extension of Tavern Rd and will connect to Center St. 


    Who operates transit service in Mammoth Lakes?

    Free public transit service is operated by the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA), in coordination with the Town Public Works Department.

    How much does public transit in Mammoth Lakes cost?

    Public transit in Mammoth Lakes is free to transit users.

    How far along Old Mammoth Road does transit service currently extend?

    Currently, transit service ends at Club Drive (Snowcreek Athletic Club) via the Red Line buses and Town Trolley.

    How can I find out more information about transit in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area?

    Refer to the ESTA website at www.estransit.com

    Where else will the bus stop along Old Mammoth Road?

    Please take the online survey at www.engagemammothlakes.com regarding Old Mammoth bus stop locations and other transit service topics.    

    Who owns the Woodmen Turnaround site?

    The site at 2125 Old Mammoth Rd is owned by the Mammoth Community Water District, and is currently the location of a production well. MCWD is proposing to allow use of the site as a transit turnaround by means of an easement to the Town. The improvements to the site will not affect water quality from the well.

    The corner of Woodmen is located along a curve, is it safe for buses to pull into and out of the site at that location?

    The Town and ESTA have evaluated the proposed circulation path, and are confident that the route is safe. "Just as the current intersection presents no hazards, the right turn from Woodman to Old Mammoth is safe for Bus Drivers.  The same goes for turning left into Woodman from Old Mammoth." - Phil Moores, ESTA