Update: Traffic Changes for U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project

Published:

US Highway 50

District:  District 3 - Marysville
Contact:  Steve Nelson
Phone:  (530) 701-9459

 

For Immediate Release

Camino – Several traffic changes have been implemented on the U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project.

Highway 50 is reduced to one lane in each direction from Still Meadows Road to 5 Mile Road/Paul Bunyon Road for construction of a wildlife undercrossing. That work is expected to be completed by Sunday, August 15.

Barriers have been installed at intersections to restrict left-hand turns at lower Carson Road and at 5 Mile Road/Paul Bunyon Road. Those restrictions are permanent and the temporary barriers will be replaced by a concrete median barrier as construction continues. In addition, the on-ramp from 5 Mile Road to westbound Highway 50 is closed. That ramp is scheduled to be reopened after completion of the wildlife undercrossing.

The intersection at Camino Heights Drive is scheduled to remain open for left-hand turn movements until the Pondorado undercrossing is complete next spring, but it will be monitored for safety. Upper Carson Road also remains open for left-hand turns at this time.

On the east end of the project, traffic has been shifted to the north side of the highway onto the new Pondorado undercrossing so that work can begin on the second half of the bridge, but two lanes remain open in both directions. Work is being conducted behind k-rail barriers and the speed limit in the construction zone is 55 mph.

This $55 million project consists of installing a continuous concrete median barrier from Still Meadows Road to upper Carson Road that will restrict left-turn movements at all at-grade intersections. The Pondorado undercrossing is being built to provide access north and south of the highway. Work on this project started in July 2020 and is expected to be complete by December 2022.

Caltrans is partnering with the El Dorado County Department of Transportation on this project, with the county providing $7.3 million in funding for local road improvements.

Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow down in construction zones for the safety of travelers and work crews. Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. The department will issue updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook @CaltransDistrict3.

 

###