US50 Echo Summit one lane closure starts Sunday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Motorists over US50 Echo Summit will have continuous one-way traffic control starting Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. The Sidehill Viaduct Project enters its final stages with almost five days of bridge destruction and then complete road closure for two weeks as seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders are installed, along with associated work.

Sunday, Sept. 13 - 8:00 p.m. - Continuous one-way traffic control begins
Friday, Sept. 18 - About 3:00 a.m. - Full closure of highway

Construction on this project started in May 2019 and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

The $14.1 million project replaces the existing bridge, which was built in 1939, and creates on that meets current seismic and safety standards. It includes $5.2 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. This legislative package invests $54 billion over the next decade to fix roads, freeways and bridges in communities across California and puts more dollars toward transit and safety.

There have been numerous requests for permits for regular/daily commuters over Echo Summit to use Johnson Pass Road as a detour around the work site during the closure, far more than expected or requested during previous projects in the area.

At any time the California Highway Patrol can cut off use of the bypass if there are high traffic and safety concerns. Johnson Pass Road is an older road with switchbacks.

There are no more passes available online and they must now be requested in person at Caltrans’ Meyers Maintenance Station, 2243 Cornelian Drive, Monday through Friday, Sept. 14-18 from 9:00 a.m.to 6:30 p.m. Caltrans staff also will be at the El Dorado County Government Center, 2850 Fairline Court in Placerville, Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14-15 from 9:00

Proof of residency or business purposes will be required to receive a pass and they will not be issued to second home owners.

Motorists are advised that trailers are not allowed on Johnson Pass Road during the closure period and that vehicles are limited to 25 feet and 8,000 pounds.

A signed detour route will be available using State Highways 89, 88, 49 and 16. The detour adds about 35 miles (45 minutes) each way from South Lake to Sacramento. Motorists are encouraged to stay on the state route detour during the full closure of Highway 50 and experience the scenic Gold Country, which includes historic downtowns, dining and shopping options, museums and more, More information on the detour route is available here: way2tahoe.com/detour-information. There is another non-state road through Pollock Pines that may see extra use during the closure, though Caltrans cannot officially direct traffic onto Mormon Immigrant Trail.

Travelers also are advised that there are minimal services available and limited mobile phone access along the high elevations of the detour route. Motorists are advised to have a full tank of gas and to carry extra food, water and clothing. For maps and visitor information, visit the Amador County Visitors Bureau at visitamador.com or the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, alpinecounty.com.

For more information on the project, visit Way2.Tahoe.com on Twitter @way2Tahoe or on Facebook/Way2Tahoe.