District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Raquel Borrayo
Phone: (530) 634-7640; (530) 701-5209
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEVADA CITY – Caltrans and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have extended the temporary closure of the Omega Scenic Overlook and trailhead parking area on State Route 20 for the continued demolition of a degraded vault toilet, picnic table and shade structure.
The temporary closure will continue through Monday, August 3 for demolition work. Maintenance crews began demolishing the aging structures July 13 and require additional time to remove layers of rebar and feet-thick concrete. Originally constructed in 1966, the rest facilities at the Omega Scenic Overlook did not have electricity or running water and failed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Since 2005, the USFS has been maintaining the scenic overlook through a mutual agreement, with Caltrans funding maintenance of the facilities. Given the age of the facility and the cost associated with upgrades to make it a standard Safety Roadside Rest Area meeting ADA compliance, Caltrans and the USFS have agreed to demolish existing facilities and return the site to its natural state.
After the closure and infrastructure removal, the USFS will continue to maintain the parking area and the short trail leading to the Omega Scenic Overlook itself, a supported platform where visitors can view the South Yuba River and historical sites such as the Omega Diggings.
Caltrans also will utilize the parking area under a special-use permit during winter months as a turnaround for chain control operations.
Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. Caltrans advises motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert.” The department will issue construction updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.
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