Heads Up: Highway 50 to Tahoe Will be Closed For Two Weeks in September

Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct

For most people in Northern California, there are two ways to drive to Lake Tahoe – through the North Shore via Interstate 80 or to South Lake Tahoe along Highway 50. One of those options will be closed for two weeks at the end of September.

CalTrans will be performing maintenance on the Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct from September 13 to October 3, forcing a full closure of Highway 50 over Echo Summit for two weeks. While the highway will have one-way traffic control beginning on September 13, the entire highway will close for two weeks beginning on September 18.

The project includes the full demolition of the iconic bridge, which is what Tahoe visitors drive over when they are greeted with fantastic views of Lake Tahoe while descending into South Lake Tahoe. The construction will certainly cause headaches for commuters to and from Tahoe. There are a few options to get into the area.

CalTrans is offering limited vehicle access to Johnson Pass Road, which will only cause a small delay in the drive. Access will only be granted to Tahoe locals with daily commutes. For more information on gaining access to the shortcut, go here.

Otherwise, CalTrans has posted a list of alternative to travel routes to South Lake Tahoe, including detours through State Routes 89, 88, 49 and 16. Here is a map of the routes:

For more information on the planned construction go to https://www.way2tahoe.com/.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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