New Caltrans project for State Routes 88, 89 and 4 to add cameras, electronic signs, and more

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to install traffic management systems and roadside safety improvements in and around the Kirkwood and Carson Pass area, with one in Meyers and 12 other locations in Amador, El Dorado, and Alpine counties on State Routes 88, 89, and 4. The project is called Carson Transportation Management Systems.

The scope of work includes changeable message signs, streetlights, video detection systems, closed-circuit television systems, road weather information systems, highway advisory radios, extinguishable message signs, and maintenance vehicle pullouts.

The purpose of the project is to improve roadway mobility and efficiency by addressing the effects of recurring severe weather conditions on traffic through the strategic deployment of various transportation management systems on State Routes 88, 89, and 4.

For Meyers on SR 89, the new project would include one video detection system, one closed-circuit television system, one highway advisory radio, one extinguishable message sign, and one maintenance vehicle pullout. There is already a changeable message sign.

At the intersection of SR88 and SR89 in Hope Valley, the new project would bring one changeable message sign, one video detection system, one closed-circuit television system, one road weather information system, one
highway advisory radio, two extinguishable message signs, and one
maintenance vehicle pullout.

For a list of what is proposed for all of the numbers on the map above, see page 11 HERE.

Caltrans said there is a need to do the project so motorists can be informed while traveling through the Kirkwood and Carson Pass area of weather and traffic conditions that can affect their travel. Current video and messaging information on the Caltrans https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ is lacking in those areas.

Construction would not begin until October 2024, with completion by March 26. They have just released the initial study with the proposed negative declaration, read HERE.