New plan for State Route 89 being developed to alleviate traffic, improve access

A collaboration of 17 agencies and organizations are working on what is being called the 'SR 89 Recreation Management Plan,' which covers the stretch from 15th street in South Lake Tahoe to the Placer County line at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Along the plan area are popular areas to view scenery, hike, bike and visit beaches along a 12 mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline. Some residential neighborhoods also rest along this area.

The plan, led by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Transportation District, and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will develop transportation and visitation management strategies and address the challenges of the corridor’s extensive transportation and recreation travel demand.

Goals of the project are to improve corridor safety, expand travel choices, enhance the visitor experience, improve and leverage technology, protect the environment and promote economic vitality.

This plan covers:
• Emerald Bay, one of California’s 36 National Natural Landmark sites, and one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular and photographed locations.

• Almost 12 miles of undeveloped shoreline offer beach access to sites such as Meeks Bay, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Baldwin Beach, Camp Richardson, and Pope Beach.

• Seven trailheads provide day hike access to waterfalls and alpine lakes as well as backcountry and wilderness access for overnight recreation opportunities.

Emphasis of the plan will be on the whole corridor, with focus on the problem areas of Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay.

Anyone who travels SR89 knows the challenges, from 1 parking place per 813 vehicles, delays on driving up to 30 minutes, and 1,782,648 visitors a year. During busy holiday times like the 4th of July, people flock to the area and find each and every available inch of dirt to park on.

To help alleviate traffic, a proposed ferry would have stops at Rubicon Point, Camp Richardson Marina, Tahoe Beach Retreat and Ski Run Marina. More formalized parking and transit hubs along the route and new Class 1 bike trails.

Input from the public will be used to inform the group of how, when, and where they travel, what their experience is like once visiting the area, and what would encourage them to change the way you travel. To be informed on this plan, sign up for the TRPA e-newsletter and click on the SR 89 Recreation Corridor Implementation Plan box HERE.

There has already been two meetings of stakeholders, including residents along SR89 in the plan area. A final implementation plan is expected in February, 2019. There will be surveys at the end of July, pop-up workshops at locations along the corridor, in-person interviews in the area in July and August, and more meetings with those who live in the area (those by invitation only).

To view all materials, information and presentations, visit http://www.trpa.org/transportation/plans-projects-and-programs/sr-89-recreation-corridor-implementat....