NDOT to gather more public input on U.S. 50 Tahoe East Shore Corridor Management Plan

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - In 2021 and earlier this year, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) hosted information booths at Lake Tahoe to gather information from the public on the U.S. 50 Tahoe East Shore Corridor Plan. NDOT is now hosting public listening tours to gather community feedback on proposals for future traffic improvements on the highway section from Stateline to Spooner Summit.

Community members can visit the following locations for study information and provide feedback:

Oct. 27, 10 a.m. - Noon: Kahle Community Center, Kingsbury Grade, Stateline

Nov. 3, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Boardroom, 169 U.S. 50, Stateline

Those interested can also visit dot.nv.gov/US50EastShore for study information.

Community members requiring special accommodations to access study information can contact 702-232-5288.

The previous listening sessions gathered public feedback on the highway, including community concerns about speeding, on-highway parking, access to and from the highway, and more. The community feedback was then used to develop initial high-level concepts for public review. Public input on these initial concepts has now been incorporated into vehicle, transit, and multi-modal strategies to enhance roadway travel and safety for all. The upcoming listening tour offers community members an opportunity to provide final feedback on the proposed highway improvement strategies.

When completed in December 2022, the plan will provide a high-level vision for potential options to improve traffic safety and mobility for all transportation types.

The plan was developed cooperatively with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Transportation District, United States Forest Service, Douglas County, and other stakeholders, and is consistent with state and regional transportation and environmental goals established in the Lake Tahoe Bi-State Compact.

Average daily peak-season traffic on the highway has grown from 15,000 vehicles daily in 2014 to nearly 20,000 in 2019. During a recent four-year period, crash rates were more than 50 percent higher on U.S. 50 between Elks Point Road and Glenbrook Drive when compared to similar highways across the state.

One of the more dangerous sections, U.S. 50 between Elks Point Road and Warrior Way, had two fatalities between Jan. 1, 2016, to Jan. 1, 2020, with 45 injury crashes with 12 of those crashes involving drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Records for crashes in 2021 and to date in 2022 have not been finalized.

Amid increasing traffic, NDOT also plans additional highway improvements in the coming years.

Warrior Way

In 2023, NDOT will install a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Warrior Way. By controlling all directions of travel, the signal will help provide designated and safer access to and from the highway. Intermittent weekday single-lane closures are scheduled to be in place near the intersection. The majority of closures will take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., with periodic overnight lane closures. Additional lane closures may take place next spring to finalize the installation and activation of the signal.

There are nearly 575 turns were made from U.S. 50 and Warrior Way during peak morning and evening commute hours alone. For enhanced emergency response, the signal will temporarily stop traffic as fire engines respond from the nearby fire station.

Parking at Zephyr Cove

On-highway parking from north of Warrior Way to the Zephyr Cove Resort entrance will also be permanently removed for safety. NDOT is working with U.S. 50 corridor partners to evaluate potential additional U.S. 50 parking opportunities.

Crosswalks, intersection sidewalks, and a short pathway will be constructed leading visitors directly from the signalized intersection into the U.S. Forest Service Zephyr Cove Day Use Area. An infiltration basin and drainage improvements will also be installed north of the intersection to enhance natural roadway stormwater infiltration and water quality.

The on-highway parking is being removed to reduce safety concerns associated with vehicles parking along the shoulders of the heavily-traveled highway. The parking restrictions are aimed at keeping everyone safer by reducing the potential for pedestrian and other traffic crashes. Motorists currently park on the narrow shoulder near the highway’s busy travel lanes, creating potential traffic safety concerns. Erosion and dust pollution created by parking on the dirt roadway shoulders can also impact the Lake Tahoe environment.

Round Hill Pines

The finishing touches are underway at a new ingress and egress at US50/Round Hill Pines. There have been numerous crashes as northbound vehicles stop at US50 to try and make a left turn into the resort. The entrance is being moved further north near Bourne Lane where traffic will be able to see those turning, and those exiting the resort will have a merging lane as they get back onto the highway.

Repaving

Within the coming five years, the Department also plans to repave and rehabilitate approximately 13 miles of U.S. 50 between Stateline and Spooner Summit for a smoother and safer drive.

Interactive storybook on the US50 plan HERE.

Additional state highway information is available at dot.nv.gov or by calling (775) 888-7000. Also follow @NevadaDOTReno on Twitter for traffic and project updates in northern Nevada, and @nevadadot on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates from across the state.