Big rig driver cited after getting stuck at Emerald Bay

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SR89 had to be closed for a short period Thursday morning as an overlength big rig got stuck and blocked both lanes at Watershed Curve at Emerald Bay. Caltrans and CHP-South Lake Tahoe worked together to get the road reopened in a timely fashion.

Big rigs have a length advisory of 30 feet from hitch/kingpin to the rear axle (a KPRA Advisory) in this area, with an overall maximum length of 65 feet.

The truck that was stuck was about 73-74 feet since it had a sleeper birth, giving it the extra feet.

Truck drivers are supposed to use only truck-based GPS apps when driving. CHP South Lake Tahoe addresses about a dozen of these types of calls a winter, and that doesn't count how many actually get through.

The information about what truck lengths are allowed is easy to find on the Caltrans website, said CHP. Since this driver failed to check his route before driving or chose to ignore the multiple advisory signs leading up to this area, he was issued a citation by CHP, according to the agency's social media post.

The base citation can run about $183, but other fines could be added on top of that including a lack of tire chains when controls are in effect, or crossing over the double yellow line.

Another mountain issue that authorities have to respond to each winter are the failure to use traction devices (chains) when controls are in place. SR89 at Emerald Bay and SR88 at Carson Pass are two common areas drivers will travel as chain controls are not manned as they are at Echo Summit on US50.