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Additional State Route 20 Closure Scheduled at Interstate 80 Junction

Published:

California State Route 20

Sergio Aceves, District 3 Director
Contact: Jeremy Linder (530) 701-5209
 
Nevada County – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an additional three-day closure of eastbound State Route 20 (SR 20) this week at the junction with Interstate 80 (I-80) as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.
 
Eastbound SR 20 is scheduled to be closed between the Omega Scenic Overlook and the junction of I-80 from 6 p.m. Tuesday through noon Friday. Once re-opened, one-way traffic control will be in place through midnight with flagging operations so crews can perform some additional demolition work.
 
A wide aerial view of a highway bridge demolition and reconstruction site in a forested mountain area. One intact elevated roadway runs along the left side, while a partially demolished bridge deck appears in the foreground with exposed rebar. Below, active railroad tracks run through the work zone. A large crane and multiple construction vehicles are positioned on the right side, where crews are clearing earth and preparing new bridge supports. Dense evergreen trees cover the surrounding hills under a bright sky. A high‑angle view of an active bridge demolition and reconstruction site in a forested mountain corridor. A partially dismantled bridge spans over a roadway and active railroad tracks, with exposed steel beams and construction barriers visible. A large crane is positioned below the bridge, lifting materials near the tracks. Adjacent to the demolished span, traffic moves across a newer parallel overpass. Construction vehicles and equipment are staged around the site, and dense pine trees cover the surrounding hillsides.
 
Detour:
  • Motorists looking to connect to I-80 from eastbound SR 20 will detour southbound on State Route 49 (SR 49) to connect with I-80 in Auburn or southbound on State Route 174 to connect with I-80 in Colfax.
  • Large trucks are directed to only use SR 49.
Additionally, the eastbound I-80 off-ramp to westbound SR 20 will be closed. Motorists will detour along eastbound I-80 to Eagle Lakes Road, then head back westbound on I-80 and take the off-ramp to westbound SR 20.
 
The work is taking longer than crews originally anticipated due to the complexity of the demolition that took place over the railroad tracks. The extra time is needed for safety and will allow crews to complete demolition of the section of the bridge that crosses directly over SR 20.
 
A map displaying detour information for the Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge demolition and the closure of eastbound State Route 20. The map highlights the closure area near Emigrant Gap and shows three marked routes: the closure segment in red, a passenger‑vehicles‑only detour using State Route 174 in purple, and an all‑vehicles detour using State Route 49 and Bell Road in green. Surrounding towns and highways such as Grass Valley, Nevada City, Colfax, Baxter, and Interstate 80 are labeled. A legend and schedule box notes the closure from Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m. through noon Friday, May 29.
 
Crews will be on site to enforce the closure with access for emergency vehicles only. Westbound SR 20 will remain open for travel between Truckee and the Nevada City/Grass Valley area.
 
The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events. 
 
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit within the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph and the California Highway Patrol will be present for traffic enforcement.
 
Flatiron Construction of Concord is the prime contractor. The project will replace the current bridge and improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load carrying capacity for extra-legal load trucks. 
 
The project will also construct median barriers, upgrade drainage and install roadway weather information systems. Work is expected to be completed by winter 2027.
 
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.
 
The department issues construction updates on X @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.