Caltrans safety and lighting project on US50 through South Lake Tahoe to address concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has a $16.8 million safety and lighting project planned for South Lake Tahoe. It is currently in the design phase and will go out for bid this summer.

The purpose of the project from the "Y" (intersection of US50 and SR89) to Pioneer Trail is to reduce vehicle collisions with those who walk and bicycle within this segment of Highway 50 (referred to as Lake Tahoe Boulevard within city limits).

During a test period of January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2019, there were 41 reported collisions, including six fatalities. Most of those collisions occurred at night.

Safety measures featured in the project include continuous lighting throughout the corridor, green-painted bike lane treatments on both sides of the highway, enhanced-visibility crosswalks, improved bike signage, the addition of three mid-block crossings, a two-stage turn queue box for bicyclists at multiple locations, and a signalized intersection at Johnson Boulevard.

The new mid-block crossings will have flashing beacons and colored crosswalks.

During the City Council's strategic planning session on January 31, the need for a crosswalk between Grocery Outlet and Motel 6 was discussed. This is one of the three new mid-block crossings planned. The other two will be between Lakeland Village and Whole Foods, and from east of the bus stop in front of Whiskey Dicks to the Taco Bell area.

A new stoplight at the intersection of US50 and Johnson Blvd. is also planned.

Caltrans's work on the highway in 2021 was in preparation for this safety project.

In 2021, Caltrans got community feedback on the Draft Environmental Document.

Based on input from the City of South Lake Tahoe and the community, as well as from traffic studies, the safety and lighting project is to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety as well as paint Class II bike lanes green at driveway areas and bike lane extensions to improve visibility.

Caltrans found the need for corrective measures and lighting alternatives would help mitigate the nighttime collisions on the road.

The project is funded with $1.68 million from the State and federal funds in the amount of $15.12 million. No local contributions are required.

Project Schedule

Project Approval & Environmental Document: 01/22/2021

Design Completed: 04/23/2023

Advertise Project: 07/12/2023

Begin Construction: 10/12/2023 or spring 2024

Complete Construction: 11/01/2025

Next up for Caltrans after this project is completed is a paving project on US50 from Trout Creek to the state line in 2026.