Two turn restrictions up Meyers for summer to help alleviate Lake Tahoe traffic pains

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Drivers on Sawmill and Upper Truckee roads in Meyers will notice some changes on the stop signs at U.S. Highway 50. Crews from El Dorado County were out on the corners Thursday to install new turn restriction signage.

Turn restrictions prohibit right-hand turns from North Upper Truckee Road to westbound U.S. Highway 50 and from Sawmill Road to westbound U.S Highway 50 on Sundays and holidays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The restrictions start immediately and will terminate on October 31, 2021.

This is a pilot program in response to complaints from residents about a large number of vehicles using neighborhood streets as another highway to bypass backups on westbound U.S. Highway 50 in Meyers. The restriction on turns is for all drivers, locals included. Cell phone mapping apps will guide drivers onto side streets to avoid traffic based on Bluetooth and other data. If a street is closed or has restrictions, the apps will not send drivers onto those roads.

"This is a test, and rescindable at any time," said Officer Ruth Loehr of the California Highway Patrol. "The whole intention is to get mapping apps to finally realize we don't want travelers in our neighborhoods."

The idea of turn restrictions was brought up by a resident at a Meyers meeting hosted by Supervisor Sue Novasel a few years ago, then residents Jeff Spencer and Tony Risso took up the cause. They said they'd like to thank that resident but don't know who he is.

"I am happy they are going up," said Risso, retired police offcer. He has been working on a traffic solution for Meyers for the past three years. "This is the El Dorado County show now. We've learned from other jurisdictions how it should work, ones that laid the groundwork, especially Fremont, Calif."

Transportation engineers from Fremont supplied data and information from their successful experience with outsmarting the traffic apps like Waze, Google, and Apple. Their neighborhoods were used as passways from highways during rush hour, creating dangerous conditions and gridlock. Risso said the City also guided them on what to do if there are any hiccups with the maps.

El Dorado County is testing the new system to see how well it works during the three holidays and Sundays this summer. Fremont experienced a 95 percent success rate on its roads after setting up restrictions.

"Glad to see some progress," said Spencer, a Meyers resident who is a professional planner and transportation expert. "We'll see how this test works out. We're trying to give residents some relief and get tourists away from using roads as highways."

Spencer has been participating in public meetings and working on a plan to help alleviate traffic in Meyers since 2016, with three years on this current solution with Risso.

"Memorial Day is the big test," said Spencer.

"Your cooperation and patience are appreciated," said the County in a press release. "Questions regarding maintenance activities may be directed to the Department of Transportation, Maintenance and Operations Division at (530) 642-4909."