SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – This letter is being sent to CalTrans District 3 Branch Chief Kevin Yount.  If you wish to contact them regarding the issue, you can mail (CalTrans – District 3, 703 B Street, Marysville, CA  95901), e-mail (d3pio@dot.ca.gov) or call (530-741-4572).

RE:   Reduction of speed limit on State Route 89, El Dorado County

During the summer of 2023, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) proposed raising the speed limit in South Lake Tahoe and near Camp Richardson from 35 mph to 45 mph.  The public outcry was tremendous.  The required hearing was filled with residents, business owners, cyclists, and walkers who all expressed their concerns about the potential for danger to people and wildlife.  Of special note were the school children who attended, giving their heartfelt pleas to maintain the speed limit at 35 for their own safety.

Later in the year, the South Lake Tahoe Police Chief announced publicly that CalTrans had decided to keep the speed limit at 35 in the city limits, and the community was relieved.   Fast forward to this spring, and CalTrans has quietly increased the speed to 45 and 40 along one of the most heavily traversed roads on the south shore of Tahoe near Camp Richardson, outside the city limits.  This area sees thousands of visitors every day, as well as wildlife such as black bear cubs and slow-moving porcupines.

Organizations that research and document the paths that wildlife utilize over roads have noted that Highway 89 in the Camp Richardson/Taylor Creek area is a significant crossing point.  Even CalTrans acknowledges that the area is heavily trafficked by animals, since it is one of the few places where TWO wildlife crossing signs are posted within a mile of one another.  Per state regulations, these signs can only be placed where it has been demonstrated that a significant number of wildlife-vehicle collisions are occurring.

Increasing these speed limits is folly.  Drivers in this area are often unfamiliar with our roads – and unaccustomed to wildlife populations that need to cross frequently.  They are frequently not paying attention to their surroundings because they’re on cell phones or observing the scenery.  In addition, pedestrians – including children – dart across the road to see wildlife, get a photo or buy an ice cream.  Cyclists frequently use the road in lieu of the crowded bicycle trail.  And as we all know, many people opt to drive ten-plus miles per hour over the speed limit.

Please reverse your speed limit increase back to 35 mph in the area for the safety of our residents, visitors and wildlife.

Sincerely,

Leona Allen, Meyers, Calif.