$43.1 Million Highway Project Officially Dedicated

"Look at Lake Tahoe as the picture and Highway 50 as the frame" were the words of South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tom Davis as he spoke at the Trout Creek Bridge to Ski Run Boulevard Project Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday.

A decade in the planning, 3 years of building and the teamwork of several agencies was celebrated as project was officially dedicated. All speakers echoed a common theme: Creating a sustainable community through the teamwork of many for the pleasure of all. The streetscape, 6 foot wide bike lanes, lighted ADA compliant pathways will increase the visitor experience in the area as well as benefit locals and businesses.

The Highway 50 project is the first of Caltrans water improvement projects to be constructed in South Lake Tahoe. There are currently two other projects being worked on: South Lake Tahoe Airport to the Y and Ski Run to Wildwood Avenue. There are another 12 lake clarity projects planned on state highways around Lake Tahoe. Since 1997, California has invested over $600 million dollar in Lake Tahoe to improve lake clarity through water filtration systems,improvement of highways and other environmental projects.

On hand for the ribbon cutting were speakers Jody Jones, Caltrans District 3 Director, Norma Santiago, El Dorado County Supervisor, Tom Davis, Mayor of South Lake Tahoe and Julie Regan, Chief of External Affairs for Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Also present was Steve Nelson, Caltrans District 3 Public Information Officer and representatives from Disney Construction and Caltrans workers.