District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Steve Nelson
Phone: (530) 701-9459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EL DORADO COUNTY – Caltrans is reminding motorists that construction has resumed on the U.S. Highway 50 Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct Project and that continuous one-way traffic control will be in place starting next week.
The continuous one-way traffic control on this $14.1 million bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 to demolish the existing structure. A full closure of Highway 50 is set to begin the morning of Friday, Sept. 18 for up to two weeks to install seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders and associated work. Weather or other unexpected delays may prolong the closure beyond Friday, Oct. 2.
This project is replacing the existing bridge, which was built in 1939, with one 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.
Construction on this project started in May 2019 and is expected to be completed by December 2020.
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 can be submitted in person at Caltrans’ Meyers Maintenance Station, 2243 Cornelian Drive, Monday through Friday, Sept. 14-18 from 9 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 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to issue passes. Proof of residency or business purposes will be required to receive a pass. Online applications are no longer being accepted. 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.
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 Visit Amador or the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, Alpine County.
For more information on the project, visit Way2Tahoe on Twitter @way2Tahoe or on Facebook/Way2Tahoe.
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