Meyers roundabout bypass lane will reopen when signage installed

The newly installed roundabout at the intersection of US50 and SR89 in Meyers isn't fully functional yet. The westbound bypass lane is still closed as Caltrans awaits the installation of new signs.

According to Caltrans, when the bypass lane initially opened motorists were confused on how to use it. They put cones up to close it off again until instructional signs could better inform users.

They hope to have the sign package installed in the coming week and reopen the bypass lane up again.

Another issue created by the addition of the roundabout is the "chain on" area for motorists to use as they add snow chains prior to their driving over Echo Summit. The area initially installed was found to be too far west and will be moved back about 400 feet.

"This will be doubling the "chain on" area, according to Caltrans spokesman Steve Nelson. "We’ll have to evaluate how it works this winter and may need to establish other areas east of the roundabout with portable signs."

At the most recent Meyers Advisory Council meeting, committee members questioned the built roundabout as it compared to the project's Environmental Impact Study (EIS). They said they believe the "chain on" area is smaller than the EIS stated it would be, as well as possible art in the area. They said they will get with Caltrans and CHP on their issues, though the movement of the "chain on" area by 400 feet may answer some questions.