transportation

Lake Tahoe Marathon canceled for 2020

The 26th annual Lake Tahoe Marathon scheduled for October 9-11 has been canceled for 2020.

Due to the volume of participants and required bus transportation to starting points, the popular three-day event was canceled since gathering and social distancing protocols couldn't be met. The date for the event will be October 8-10, 2021.

Organizer Les Wright of South Lake Tahoe sent out the following letter to participants this week:

The odds of being able to have the 25th Lake Tahoe Marathon this year on Oct 9-11th have dropped to about 1%.

Douglas County prepares for quick campaign stop by President Trump

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - After being moved from a planned speaking event at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, President Trump will be making a stop at the Minden-Tahoe Airport on Saturday, September 12 according to a Douglas County spokesperson.

Douglas County was contacted by the Secret Service and representatives of the Trump Campaign late in the evening on Wednesday September 9, 2020 requesting use of the Minden-Tahoe Airport for a campaign rally.

Chris Sneed: The man behind the 9-11 flag flying over US50

Those of us who were alive remember where they were and what they were doing when they saw or heard of the first planes fly into the towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Chris Sneed was working in Incline Village on a pipe replacement project for Granite Construction on Lakeshore Boulevard on 9-11-01. He needed a part and ran into Spitsen Lumber. He was in line and saw the store's 12" television showing a plane hit the first tower, and then the second tower.

Column: Climate change front and center at Tahoe

As ashes fell delicately from a blazing orange sky earlier this week, Lake Tahoe got a jarring glimpse of just one of the threats of the climate crisis. The frequency and intensity of wildfires in the West are breaking records and destroying communities. Scientists are also measuring wilder weather patterns, more severe droughts, and changing ecosystems as the planet’s temperature rises. More drought means more dead trees, and hotter summers mean a longer and more
severe fire season.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 6 - 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Crash near Cave Rock causing delays

5:30 p.m. UPDATE: Traffic is moving again and the crash has been cleared up. No other information is available at this time.

* * *
Expect delays if heading south on US50 near Cave Rock at Lake Tahoe. At 4:30 p.m., the Nevada Department of Transportation reported the crash, but details are unavailable at this time.

According to their Nevada Roads website, delays could last until 6:00 p.m. It appears the northbound lanes are moving.

Use caution. Emergency crews are at the scene.

Daily kayak trips on the lake in support of Citizen Science Tahoe project

Join Scott Fitzgerrell and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center director Geoff Schladow as they kayak Lake Tahoe in support of the Citizen Science Tahoe project September 20-26, 2020. Using the app they will collect valuable water quality, algal growth, and microplastics data.

All participants are responsible for bringing their own watercraft, personal protective equipment (flotation device while on the water and a mask while on land), food, beverages, and planning their own transportation to/from the departure and arrival sites.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.

Roundabout protest to be focused on getting county leaders to act on traffic concerns

MEYERS, Calif. - Another protest is planned at the US50 roundabout in Meyers on Friday, September 4, just as thousands of tourists flock to Lake Tahoe in a traditional weekend wrap-up of summer.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 30 - September 5

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Vail CEO announces $1.5M in grants to Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth organizations

Vail Resorts CEO, Rob Katz, and his wife, Elana Amsterdam announced the grant recipients of their previously announced $1.5 million donation to support youth organizations in cities surrounding Vail Resorts’ locations. Each of the 14 nonprofits receiving grants work to strengthen communities and support youth of color in urban centers across North America, including Boston, Baltimore, Chicago and Minneapolis, among others, as well as Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Mural in Tahoe East Shore Trail tunnel unveiled

The community mural art project in the tunnel on the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The mural, painted by local husband and wife art and design duo, Tyler Rivenbark and Frida Ticehurst-Rivenbark, was completed with help from students at Lake Tahoe School in Incline Village.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 23 - 29

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

City Council meeting change Tuesday - 2 p.m. start to Budget Workshop

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The time of the Tuesday, August 25 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting has been moved to start at 2:00 p.m.

Most of the agenda focus is on a budget workshop for fiscal year 2020-21 (FY 20-21) which includes a $2.5 million decrease from last year. A presentation will be made on the $93.7 million total budget of which about $40.5 million is the general fund.

Right turn restrictions during peak travel days in Meyers approved by committee, on to supervisors

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - As most in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers area already know, getting out of town over US50 and Echo Summit on Sundays and holidays can be slow moving during summer, but during the winter it can be a miserable time both for visitors and locals.

How much are you willing to pay for parking fines around Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you are accustomed to paying premium prices for parking in towns like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento, how much would you be willing to pay for a parking ticket in Lake Tahoe?

Apprently whatever it costs.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued 297 parking citations along SR89 at Emerald Bay in July and 273 during the first 11 days of August. Six vehicles were towed from the area during this time.

Construction temporarily stopped on South Lake Tahoe Greenway trail due to material delay

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work had been underway on two phases of the 3.86-mile long South Tahoe Greenway Shared-Use Trail but activity has come to a temporary halt due to material issues.

COVID-19 resulted in delayed delivery of materials for the precast concrete boardwalk system needed on the trail. The Houston, Texas concrete plant contracted for the project has been directly impacted.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 9-15

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Nevada drivers can submit ideas for traffic safety messages on electronic signs

The Nevada Department of Transportation is inviting Nevada drivers to submit contest entries for creative traffic safety messages to be displayed on electronic freeway signs.

Last year, nearly 285 individuals were killed in Nevada traffic crashes. With over 90% of U.S. crashes caused in part by driver behavior, the message boards are an important driving safety reminder.

Lane closures over Spooner Summit for NDOT roadside drainage project

Single lane closures will take place on U.S. 50 between Carson City and Spooner Summit beginning July 30 as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) wraps up a project to reduce roadside erosion and help preserve water quality.

Between July 30 and Aug. 7, drivers will see single lane closures from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays on both directions of U.S. 50 in areas between Tahoe Golf Club Drive and Spooner Summit.

To help with safety on Lake Tahoe roads, new stoplight to be installed at Zephyr Cove in 2021

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - In a move to increase safety along the highway in Zephyr Cove, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of US50 and Warrior Way next summer.

Almost 20,000 drivers travel that section of US50 on a daily basis. By controlling all directions of travel, the signal will help provide designated and safer access to and from the highway at the busy intersection.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 26 - August 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Draft SR89 Corridor Plan available for the public to review

Event Date: 
September 22, 2020 - 5:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Years of work by a team of professionals and public outreach has led to the release of the Draft State Route State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan.

Those who have been on this congested segment of roadway around Lake Tahoe are aware of the long list of issues including traffic issues, parking issues, and safety issues during the summer and popular weekends.

Tahoe Bike Challenge riders log over 45,000 miles

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Over 300 locals and visitors took part in the 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge, biking 45,442 miles during the month-long event. The Tahoe-basin wide challenge was a friendly competition that annually encourages individuals and teams to track trips and miles completed on their bikes.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and riders,” TRPA Transportation Planner Kira Smith said. “Although this year looked a little bit different, we hope the Challenge inspires people to bike and walk through the rest of the year.”

Park Tahoe paid parking pilot program starts at East Shore Trail

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - When the three parking lots with 90 spaces were created last year in Incline Village for the popular East Shore Trail, they were free but all were told paid parking was coming in the near future.

That time has now come.

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has unveiled the Park Tahoe pilot program at the trailhead north of Ponderosa Rand Road. The lots were created to expand off-highway parking options along the high traffic area of SR28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 19 - 25

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Team selected to build affordable housing project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Good news for the South Shore after the California Tahoe Conservancy announced today a major milestone in creating affordable housing at the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe.

The partnership of Related California and St. Joseph Community Land Trust (SJCLT) has been selected to build the community's first modular multi-family housing development. They are naming it Sugar Pine Village.

NDOT adding six "no parking" signs along SR28 near Incline Village

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Roadside parking along SR28 south of Incline Village has been problematic for years. Several "no parking" areas have been created over several miles to keep cars off the road to improve safety.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced Monday they will add "no parking" signs to enhance traffic safety on a section of State Route 28 in southeastern Incline Village.

Beginning July 13, NDOT will add six new “no parking” signs on the west, lakeside of State Route 28, extending from southern Lakeshore Boulevard to approximately 300 feet south.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 12 - 18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

NDOT tends to Numbers Fire damage as Highway 395 reopens

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reopened Highway 395, deeming it safe to travel. The road has been closed due to the Numbers Fire.

Crews have been working on guard rails damaged by the fire which has burned 20,000 acres and is currently 5 percent contained. Three homes and 37 outbuildings have been lost or damaged.

Bike racks still available through Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and Tahoe Fund

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There has been a successful partnership between the Tahoe Fund and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition in bringing bike racks to businesses and public agencies around Lake Tahoe for the past two years. They have now announced an opportunity for more low or no-cost bike racks in their "Bike Racks for Tahoe" program for centrally-located town center locations in the Tahoe Basin.

The program is designed to encourage locals and visitors to ride their bikes around lakeside communities instead of drive.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 5 - 11

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. July 2 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 6 due to the July Fourth holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Temporary public access, traffic changes at the Upper Truckee Marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting in July public access will be limited or restricted in portions of the Upper Truckee Marsh to protect the public during construction of the new river and marsh restoration project.

The California Tahoe Conservancy is restoring more than 250 acres of the marsh ecosystem to enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality entering Lake Tahoe, and create an accessible-to-all trail to Lake Tahoe. Restoration activities will continue into fall 2022.

46th annual Ponderosa Ridge Run on 4th of July

Event Date: 
July 4, 2020 - 10:00am

Austin Angell’s 46th annual Ponderosa Ridge Run will be held Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

The popular event will start at the Spooner Summit Maintenance Station located near the intersection of US50/SR28 on the east side of the summit. The 9.5-mile hilly course is on a non-paved fire road featuring a 2,000-foot elevation gain in the first four miles with scenic views along the Tahoe Rim Trail, and a downhill finish near the end of North Benjamin off Kingsbury Grade (SR207).

Transportation is not provided back to the start area.

Can still participate in 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge as it enters final days

The 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge began June 1st for a month of biking excitement throughout Lake Tahoe. To date, participants have already logged over 39,000 miles and almost 3,800 trips. This has resulted in 1,685 pounds CO2 not released into the air through car rides.

If you haven't already joined, there's still time to register at lovetoride.net/tahoe. Looking for a team to join? Join the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition team.

Lime scooters return to South Lake Tahoe July 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lime will be bringing scooters back to South Lake Tahoe after a unanimous vote by the City Council to temporarily reduce fees associated with the popular mobile devices during their meeting Tuesday. With a reduced season the new charge of $75 per device was not making sense according to the company.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork June 21 - 27

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

TTD announces fixed-route service adjustments due to COVID-19 staffing challenges

STATELINE, Nev. - In a continued effort to maintain essential transit services and prioritize the safety of transit operators and passengers, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is notifying the public that it anticipates periodic frequency reductions for fixed-route services due to COVID-19 staffing challenges. TTD will also limit the number of passengers on paratransit buses to comply with social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Governor: Californians must now wear face masks in most public settings

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As California reaches over 5,000 deaths, Governor Newsom announced Thursday that almost everyone in the state will now be required to wear face masks in public.

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open, and restarting our economy.”

Kudos: South Tahoe Middle School thanks the community for their support

On our last day of school at South Tahoe Middle School, we look back with gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that helped to enrich the lives of our students throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Despite finishing the school year off-campus with remote learning, we were able to envision and execute some wonderful programs and activities including:

● The new STMS robotics team
● AVID college field trips
● High-interest books for classroom libraries
● New books for the school library
● Mountain bikes, parts & tools for PE
● Science magazine subscriptions

Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

Input sought on South Lake Tahoe draft Climate Action Plan strategies

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The local community is invited to participate in an online survey to give input on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies that have been brainstormed for the City of South Lake Tahoe's Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Column: Tahoe's successes based on working together; eliminating divide

If ever there was a time to draw on the healing powers of Lake Tahoe, it’s now. The COVID crisis, complete with loss of life and wide-ranging financial impacts, is being compounded by human struggle and a wellspring of social justice demonstrations that are gripping the nation. One of our core values at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is collaboration -- building collaborative relationships to protect Lake Tahoe. I can tell you that Tahoe's successes have not ever come from reinforcing divisions. The imagined “us vs them" simply creates false divides.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork June 6 - 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

2nd virtual town hall meeting for El Dorado County vacation home rentals at Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 10, 2020 - 4:00pm

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The second virtual Town Hall meeting focusing on vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the El Dorado County portion of Lake Tahoe will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Led by District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel, she and staff will provide some background on VHRs regulations to date, review options for meeting the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency neighborhood compatibility Performance Review Standards, and review input received from the public, addressing questions and comments received.

Register in advance for the meeting here:

East Shore Express to Sand Harbor not operating this summer

LAKE TAHOE, Nev, - Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced today that the East Shore Express, its popular summer seasonal transit service from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, will not operate in 2020. TTD plans to resume the East Shore Express service in summer 2021.

NDOT to close Centerville Lane for Douglas County resurfacing project

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will have closures in place June 8-17 on Centerville Lane (State Route 756) in Douglas County as they resurface the roadway.

Centerville Lane will be resurfaced between U.S. 395 and State Route 88. Various road and lane closures will be in place Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily in the following phases beginning June 8 and ending June 17:

Tahoe Bike Challenge expands to full month starting June 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge begins on June 1 for a full month of bicycling excitement throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. Hosted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the Bike Challenge is a basin-wide celebration of biking and a friendly competition to see who can record the most rides.

Road Beat: 2020 Toyota Rav4 TRD Off-Road

No, this can’t be. It’s too interesting to be a Rav4. Over the waning ‘teens, Toyota has sought to seemingly reinvent itself as a carmaker of interest. Now, that begs an important question, though: did they have to? Even as the cars became more and more relentlessly boring, people still bought them to make for the single biggest car brand in the world.

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