Traffic

Nighttime lane restrictions begin near Hwy 50/395 in Carson City

Nighttime lane closures will take place periodically on South Carson Street near Spooner junction for the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Carson City Freeway project.

Sunday morning accident wipes out power for 10,000 in Carson City/Carson Valley

A vehicle hit a power pole on Curry Street in Carson City Sunday morning just after 9:00 a.m., taking out power to about 4,500 customers in the city limits and another 5,450 customers in Douglas County.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office reported major issues with traffic flow as lights were out at major intersections. Carson City motels and restaurants were all full at the time of the outage after a busy summer weekend.

Fire west of Lake Tahoe held to 25 acres; Now 60% contained

7:20 p.m. update 8-7-16: Firefighters will soon be in clean up mode on the Alder Fire after they made good progress today. They strengthened lines today increasing the containment of the fire to 60 percent.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

9:00 a.m. update 8-7-16: Firefighters made good progress on the Alder Fire overnight and the fire is now 40 percent contained. The amount of brush and timber burned has been updated to 25 acres.

Virginia Complex fire north of Reno consumes 59,727 acres, 73% contained

The Virginia Mountains Complex fires burning about 35 miles north of Reno have burned almost 60,000 acres since being started by lightning on July 29. The complex is composed of five separate wildland fires, including the Anderson (16,284 acres), Sage (4,238 acres), Seven Lakes (3,063 acres), Rock (2,293 acres) and Tule (30,340 acres) Fires. The fires are burning within about 20 miles of each other in an arc.

The 607 firefighters working on the fires have been able to get them 73 percent contained.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief: Marijuana and property thefts

Marijuana Brownie Incident - During the last weekend of July, a group of women visited South Lake Tahoe for a bachelorette party. During the visit, the women willfully ingested marijuana brownies they obtained through a ride-share company. Within a few hours, 10 of the women were taken to the emergency room in South Lake Tahoe. Eight of the ten were later admitted to the hospital for treatment. While many would have you believe marijuana is a harmless drug, those of us in the public safety arena have seen increases in medical emergencies from marijuana ingestion.

NHP interviews person of interest in illegal traffic stops

As a followup to a story carried on South Tahoe Now Wednesday, a person of interest came forward today in the alleged illegal attempted traffic stop on southbound IR580 in the area of the Mt. Rose Highway.

Members of the Nevada Highway Patrol contacted and thoroughly interviewed the unidentified man who attempted to pull over a motorist with an unmarked pickup truck.

NHP looking for person driving truck in Reno, posing as law enforcement

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol responded to a call on Wednesday morning made by a motorist concerned with an unmarked pickup attempting to pull them over at 10:30 a.m.

In the area of the Mt. Rose Highway on IR580, the caller said the vehicle attempting to stop them was a silver or gray colored Ford F-150 extended cab pickup with Nevada plate 89A639. This Ford pickup had no markings on it that would identify it as a law enforcement vehicle. However, it was equipped with red and blue flashing lights.

Cave Rock boat ramp to close for one to two months, Sand Harbor ramp closed for season

A construction project at the Cave Rock Boat Launch area has been underway for the past three weeks, closing part of the parking lot, and now the rest of the area will close starting Monday, August 1.

Nevada State Parks is installling new curbs and sidewalks, upgrading restrooms, removing the old unused boat ramp at the south end of the park, restriping the parking spaces and other enhancemnts to ease conjestion.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork August 1 - 6

LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

Expect delays on Highway 89 from Tahoe to Truckee

Expect delays of up to 15 minutes over the next several weeks as a pavement rehabilitation project begins on Highway 89 between Tahoe City and Alpine Meadows.

The project consists of grinding down the existing highway and filling it with hot mix asphalt in order to improve the ride for motorists and cyclists and to extend the life of the roadway.

The affected area is from a half-mile north of the “Y” intersection with Highway 28 in Tahoe City to just north of Alpine Meadows Road.

Bike Safe, Lake Tahoe; Campaign launched by Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition

The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition is stressing bike safety in their new multimedia education campaign to promote safe bicycling for Tahoe visitors and residents.

“We hope these safety tips help ensure people enjoy riding their bicycles at Lake Tahoe,” said Curtis Fong, vice president of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. “This is the greatest and most beautiful place in the world to ride a bike, and we want to help make sure that bicyclists are aware of safe riding practices when bicycling on roadways or bike paths around Lake Tahoe.”

Accident closes Hwy 50 at Echo Summit

A three-car accident on Highway 50 near Frog Lake on lower Echo Summit caused both lanes of the road to be closed for almost two hours Tuesday afternoon.

At 3:37 p.m., the California Highway Patrol responded to the accident which resulted in extensive damage to all three cars involved in the head-on collision. They then issued an alert to cell phones in the area, warning of the road's closure.

CHP says there were mild to moderate injuries to the cars' occupants and at least one person was transported to Barton Hospital.

As of 5:15 p.m., both lanes of traffic reopened.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule July 24 - July 30

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

Power lines being moved underground on Pioneer Trail, expect some delays

Work along Pioneer Trail will continue through mid-October to move power lines underground from Black Bart Court to just south of Golden Bear Trail.

A contractor for Liberty Utilities has already started on the project which could result in traffic delays.

Approximately 5,800 feet of overhead power lines (as well as communication lines owned by AT&T and Charter Communications) are being relocated underground. The work is expected to continue through mid-October this year, and will be completed next year during the allowed construction time period of May-October.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule July 17 - July 23

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

NDOT reminds travelers of possible travel delays for celebrity golf tournament

With road construction to enhance driver safety on U.S. 50 in Lake Tahoe’s Cave Rock area, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is reminding motorists to anticipate minor travel delays during special events such as the American Century Championship golf tournament.

“We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy Lake Tahoe,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained. “But, with many visitors traveling to Lake Tahoe, drivers should plan a little extra travel time for road improvements being made in the Cave Rock area.”

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

7/3
1:45 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Lodgepole Trail - UNLICENSED VACATION RENTAL

3:33 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Del Norte St

4:14 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Prospector Trail

5:58 a.m. - Death Investigation - South Lake Tahoe - dEATH OF 90-YEAR- OLD MAN

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule July 10 - July 16

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

Placer County Planning Commission votes against Martis Valley Project

“Last night’s vote by the Placer County Planning Commission to reject the proposed development at Martis Valley West is great news for all who love Lake Tahoe," said Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, executive director of the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

The Placer County Planning Commission has voted to recommend denial of the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan and the certification of the project environmental impact report.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 774 calls between June 14 and July 4, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

6/14
Spousal Abuse in the 900 block of Alameda Ave
Drug Offense in the 1000 block of Johnson Blvd
Warrant in the 2200 block of Barton Ave
Petty Theft in the 1000 block of Al Tahoe

6/15
DUI at Tallac and Lake Tahoe Blvd
Evading in the 2100 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Warrant in the 1000 block of Johnson Blvd
Battery in the 800 block of Los Angeles Ave

Public input sought on Lake Tahoe transportation issues

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) are seeking more public input on ideas to improve Lake Tahoe’s transportation system to reduce traffic congestion in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

CHP child passenger safety seat check-up event

Event Date: 
July 16, 2016 (All day)

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) South Lake Tahoe office is conducting a car seat check-up event. The current law states child passengers must ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight years old and the only exception to the law is if the child is 4 feet 9 inches in height. Effective January 1, 2017, children under the age of 2 must ride rear-facing in an appropriate child safety seat.

You choose: Stay in South Lake Tahoe longer, or sit in traffic

The following is a reprint of a story South Tahoe Now carried on the 4th of July weekend in 2015. With the anticipated traffic on roads headed out of the Lake Tahoe basin on Tuesday, we felt this information would be helpful.

Three new message signs were unveiled in South Lake Tahoe this week, just in time for the holiday weekend. Since the fourth of July is a big tourist draw, it is the perfect time to test out all the message signs can provide to those on the road.

$583 million to be spent on California roads; Over $36 million in SLT

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has adopted 156 projects, valued at $583 million, to support needed upkeep on California’s aging roads and bridges, make upgrades to transit and rail systems and encourage use of alternative forms of transportation, including biking and walking. One major project in South Lake Tahoe has been adopted.

Reno police officer shoots man driving van towards pedestian filled street

A driver of a minivan that was headed to a closed Reno Street full of pedestrians on Saturday was shot and killed by a police officer on foot.

The incident began at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 when a Reno Police Department Motor Unit attempted to make a traffic stop on a silver minivan in the area on Kuenzli Street and E. 2nd Street. The minivan failed to yield, proceeding west toward downtown Reno.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule July 3 - July 9

NOTE: Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

SPECIAL EVENT

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County) from the “Y” at Lake Tahoe Boulevard and State Route 89 North to Rufus Allen Boulevard: Motorists can expect a moving closure of both lanes from 10 a.m. to Noon Monday July 4 for the City of South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Uber teams up with South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, MADD and CHP to prevent holiday drunk driving

The California Highway Patrol and Uber are joining forces to promote awareness about safe, alternative transportation options to drunk driving during the July 4 holiday weekend.

This holiday is one of the deadliest for drunk driving crashes. South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has partnered with Uber to prevent drunk driving in South Lake Tahoe.

Uber reached out to the nonprofits to make sure that Tahoe is safe, and to do so they are trying to get as many of their drivers out on the road as possible.

Firefighters gain on Trailhead Fire: 50% contained, burns 5,444 acres

8:30 p.m. update 7/4/16: Firefighters working on the Trailhead Fire in El Dorado County gained a lot of ground Monday, getting a containment line around 50 percent of the fire. So far, 5,444 acres have burned.

Cave Rock tunnel project 25 percent completed

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Cave Rock tunnel and road project on Highway 50 is approximately 25 percent completed according the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). The road construction is to enhance driver safety along the east shore of Lake Tahoe, but with the massive, $6 million undertaking, there are minor traffic delays. With the upcoming July 4 holiday, NDOT is reminding drivers that they should anticipate these minor travel delays.

USFS asks public to stay safe during the Fourth of July holiday at Lake Tahoe

The Fourth of July holiday period is the busiest time of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For those visiting during the holiday and attending one of the firework displays over the lake, expect extremely crowded conditions and excess traffic. Because of the Basin’s high elevation, expect intense sunlight during the day and much lower temperatures at night. Bring sunscreen, a jacket, and carry a flashlight. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 432 calls between June 1 and June 13, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

6/1
Disturbance in the 2400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Burglary in the 3600 block of Forest Ave
Resisting at Glenwood and Fairway
Trespassing in the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd

6/2
Petty Theft in the 3600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 1000 block of Emerald Bay Rd

6/3
Drug Offense in the 800 block of Emerald Bay Rd

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule June 26 - July 2

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 5 a.m. Friday, July 1 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

Hopeful Henry: How much exercise should my dog get?

Henry,
I frequently see young men riding skateboards or bicycles with small dogs running along beside them. How much strenuous exercise is good for little dogs and how can the dog owner know when he is pushing the dog too hard? Dogs will run really hard to stay up with their owner. How much is too much?
Signed,
Concerned dog lover

Great question Concerned Dog Lover!

Wildfire closes Hwy 395 at Lee Vining

9:30 a.m. update 6/26: Firefighters have gained some control of the Marina Fire burning near Mono Lake and the town of Lee Vining. The 758 acre fire is 30 percent contained.

Highway 395 is closed at the town of Lee Vining on the south at the turnoff for Hawthorne, NV (Highway 167) on the north. However, California Highway Patrol is conducting one-way traffic escorts as conditions allow. Mono County Sheriff and Caltrans District 9 have worked tirelessly with CHP to implement this escort.

Douglas County Citizen Patrol welcomes 35 new volunteers

Sheriff Ron Pierini issued a pledge of service to the 35 new members of the Douglas County Citizen Patrol on June 15.

The volunteers are now able to assist the sheriff’s office by conducting vacation checks on residences, marking and towing abandoned vehicles on public streets, enforcing handicapped parking, writing minor reports such as lost wallets or cell phones, conduct VIN checks, and work special events such as traffic contol to Carson Valley Days, Fishing Derby and Parade of Lights.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork June 20 - 25

LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

County's planned adoption of Capitol Improvment Program postposed

With the recent vote count on Measure E in El Dorado County still too close to call, the County's Capital Improvement Program and Traffic Impact Mitigation Fee Update have been put on hold.

The County Supervisors had been tentatively scheduled to adopt the two in August, but will now wait until questions raised by the Measure are resolved.

Large 4th of July parade expected in South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting this year's 4th of July parade, and a large turnout is expected for both the parade and the post-celebration activities at the American Legion.

Community members, clubs, groups are all signing up to take part in the parade on Monday, July 4, starting at 10:00 a.m. So far, there are 50 entries and 150 walkers participating.

The route goes from the Crossing at the "Y" to Al Tahoe Blvd, at the Rite-Aid parking lot so travelers can expect travel delays on the road during the duration of the parade.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule June 12- June 18

Long term projects:

June 12-17 - State Route 89 (Placer County) from Mankato Place to Cathedral Drive: Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations around the clock from 10 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Friday for roadway excavation, drainage work and curb and gutter construction.

June 13-17 - State Route 89 (El Dorado County) from Cascade Road to Cascade Creek: Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations from 2 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday and 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday for shoulder work and permanent erosion control.

Rock Tahoe Half-Marathon sells out each of first two years in Lake Tahoe

The 2nd annual Rock Tahoe Half-Marathon heads to Lake Tahoe on Saturday, June 18. The 2,000 spots for runners are already full, filling up three weeks before the event. The course takes the participants down 1,000 feet in elevation as they pass some of Tahoe's iconic views.

DUI checkpoint in South Lake Tahoe Friday

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday night, but they will not be releasing the location until just before it starts at 9:00 p.m.

They will begin setting up at 8:00 p.m. somewhere in the eastern portion of the lake side of El Dorado County and run it until 2:00 p.m.

El Dorado County election results

Under half of the registered voters in El Dorado County turned out in the polls Tuesday for the Presidential primary race that also chose a county judge and a few measures adjusting the county charter and growth in the county.

50,477, or 46.11 percent of the voters, voted in the June 7, 2016 election.

Measures needed to pass by a majority:

Measure A passed by a 2,600 vote margin with 53.02 percent of the vote. The preamble of the County Charter will be changed to new wording.

California voters hit the polls Tuesday; El Dorado County vote includes ballot measures

The California State Primary is Tuesday, June 7, and there are a few local items on the ballot.

The following are summaries of what voters on the lake side of El Dorado County will be voting on. If people are unsure of their polling place, visit this site, input your address and birthdate: http://elections.edcgov.us/lookup.fwx

Measure A - The preamble of the County Charter will be changed if passed. The proposed wording is below, with :

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 486 calls between May 16 and May 31, 2016.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

5/16
DUI in the 2000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in Public in the 2000 block of 12th St
Resisting in the 3800 block of Aspen Ave
Domestic Battery in the 900 block of James Ave
DUI at Pioneer and Woodbine

5/17
Brandishing in the 800 block of Stateline Ave

5/18
Drunk in Public in the 4100 block of Pine Bl

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule June 5 - June 11

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

June 5-10 - State Route 89 (Placer County) from Mankato Place to Granlibakken Road: Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations around the clock from 10 p.m. Sunday until 11 a.m. Friday for drainage work and curb and gutter construction.

June 6-9 - State Route 89 (El Dorado County) from Meeks Creek to Wilson Avenue: Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for pavement fog sealing.

Expect increased bike traffic on Sunday during America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Thousands of bicyclists will be sharing the highways around Lake Tahoe on Sunday and during practice rides on Saturday. Drivers on Highways 50, 89 and 28 will need to be aware of the extra activity on the road created by riders participating in the 25th America's Most Beautiful Bike ride, a 72-mile ride around the lake.

Letter: Caltrans proposes roundabout at 50/89 intersection in Meyers

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 3 is developing a safety project that proposes to construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and State Highway 89 in Meyers beginning in 2018. The department has looked at several options at this location and has identified a roundabout as the preferred alternative to address safety concerns and improve traffic flow.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork schedule May 29 - June 3

Most lane closures are restricted until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 because of the Memorial Day Holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

May 31-June 3 - State Route 89 (Placer County) from Mankato Place to Olympic Drive South: Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations around the clock from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 11 a.m. Friday for drainage work and roadway excavation.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe this Memorial Day weekend

The weather is starting to clear and temperatures are warming up, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget, when you are coming or going from the Lake Tahoe Basin, check out the Caltrans message board at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Click on "Options" and "message boards." This handy tool shows you the exact time it takes to get from town over the mountain so you can stay longer and avoid the traffic!

Here is a list of some of the things to do on the South side:

Lake Tahoe Summer Kick Off Car and Bike Show at the Heavenly Village

CHP looking for South Lake Tahoe area Senior Volunteers and Explorers

Volunteers are needed by the California Highway Patrol for two of their programs on the South Shore, Senior Volunteers and Explorers.

The Senior Volunteer Program provides senior adult men and women the opportunity to
volunteer their time to assist CHP employees in the performance of their duties.
This assistance enhances the Department’s ability to provide safety, service, and security for all Californians.

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