Caltrans wrapping up $52.9M South Lake Tahoe project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The last scheduled Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) project for Caltrans around Lake Tahoe is almost finished. All traffic-interfering work is now complete on the stretch of US50 from the Y to the Trout Creek Bridge.

This $52.9 million project constructed new drainage systems to treat stormwater runoff before it enters Lake Tahoe and adjacent water bodies that discharge into the lake. The project also rebuilt the curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides of this two-mile section of Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) and increased the roadway width to provide for Class II bike lanes.

The lights along US50 are now synchronized from the Y to Carson Avenue. If one maintains the posted speed limit (40 mph) the lights are timed to be green the entire stretch.

Caltrans has constructed more than 20 EIP projects on state highways around Lake Tahoe, a total of a $561M investment.

“Caltrans is proud of the work we’ve accomplished in the Lake Tahoe Basin to improve the roadways and help protect this beautiful natural resource,” said District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal. “The highways around the lake are more safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient. Mobility also has been vastly improved for all users.”

Launched in 1997, the EIP is a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, private interests, and the Washoe Tribe, created to protect and improve the natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. EIP partners implement projects that include everything from new bike trails to creek restorations to programs that protect the lake from aquatic invasive species.

Security Paving Company, Inc. was the primary contractor on the project, which started in May 2017.

Caltrans is scheduled to be back in 2021 to add additional street lighting for mid-block crossings along the US50 corridor from the Y to Stateline and signal coordination to Stateline. The project will go out to bid this fall.