Work has begun on Cave Rock Tunnel project

Both lanes of traffic through the Cave Rock Tunnel are now being moved to the mountain side lane as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) begins their $6 million enhancement of the tunnels, retaining of falling rock and lane improvements.

On May 9,2016, NDOT started the project by reducing speeds and limiting both directions of traffic to a single lane. Both directions of traffic will use the eastbound Cave Rock Tunnel simultaneously. Traffic north of Cave Rock will be reduced to one lane in the eastbound direction with short-duration, westbound, one-lane closures to allow for construction of the stormwater quality improvements.

NDOT expects the project to be completed by October, 2016.

The project will extend the westbound, lakeside Cave Rock tunnel entrance. The new approximately 60-foot long and 27-foot tall structure will extend the existing tunnel to enhance safety by catching rock fall before it reaches the roadway. The tunnel extension will replicate natural colors, patterns and textures to match the existing rock face. Lighting and white paint will be added inside each tunnel for better visibility and two new radar-activated overhead signs will be installed to automatically notify drivers of bicyclists or potentially icy conditions in the tunnels. U.S. 50 lanes through both tunnels and the roadway median between Cave Rock and the Cave Rock State Park boat launch entrance will also be paved. In addition, water quality improvements such as enhanced roadside drainage inlets and sediment filtration systems will be installed along U.S. 50 from one mile to four miles north of Cave Rock.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the eastbound Cave Rock tunnel, with reduced speed limits and some limited travel delays to be expected. Oversize and overdimensional semi-trucks will not be permitted through the tunnel during construction. Periodic, short-term lane closures will also take place on U.S. 50 north of Cave Rock. The approximately $6 million project by contractor Q&D Construction will continue through fall of 2016.

During the winter of 2014-2015, heavy rains loosened boulders from the rock face above the Cave Rock tunnel, with some of the boulders reaching the roadway. Rock fall reduction and slope stabilization experts removed rock debris above the tunnel and a temporary netting was installed to help catch potential rockfall until the tunnel extension is fully constructed.

“Making sure that drivers get safely where they need to go is our top priority,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained. “This project is just one of many ways we are enhancing travel and preserving motorist safety in the Tahoe area.”

Further project information is available at www.nevadadot.com or by dialing (775) 888-7000.

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