10th Street closed for public safety

Most town folk in Mariposa know if you drive along Jones and Bullion streets, best to be aware of the cross-traffic.

Some of the intersections have stop signs. Some don’t. And cars tend to fly down the steep slope and through the intersection.

10th Street runs alongside the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. And they’ve had enough.

Last month, barricades were placed on 10th Street between Old Highway North and Jones Street. Homes and the sheriff’s offices on 10th Street can still be accessed from Jones Street.

“Unfortunately, we’ve experienced multiple close calls over the years,” said the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.

“Vehicles often travel through this area at unsafe speeds, and we’ve even had patrol vehicles struck by passing traffic.”

The sheriff’s office has buildings on both sides of 10th Street, and one of the offices serves as the location for child custody exchanges, “bringing families and children to this area on a regular basis,” the sheriff’s office said.

The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors approved closing the street on Nov. 18, 2025, using California Streets & Highway Code 942.5, which allows the county to close the road due to ongoing public safety concerns.

In the staff report Mariposa County Public Works Director Shannon Hansen gave another reason for shutting down the block: Parking.

“Additionally, the closure will provide safe and adequate parking for the sheriff’s office, which currently lacks sufficient space,” Hansen wrote.

“Deputies and staff are often forced to park partially in the roadway, further contributing to traffic hazards and visibility issues,” her report said.

The sheriff’s message was more straightforward. “Our goal is simple: to get ahead of a tragedy before one happens.”

Now, what about 6th Street?