El Dorado County, CA…Caltrans is reminding motorists that a full closure of U.S. Highway 50 started at 3 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18 and continue for up to two weeks during major construction work on the Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct. One-way traffic control is currently in effect at Echo Summit for the $14.1 million bridge replacement project. A full closure of the highway will begin Sept. 18 and is anticipated through Oct. 2 while seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders are installed. Weather or unexpected delays may prolong the closure beyond the initial two-week period.

DETOUR ROUTE INFO:Use State Routes 89, 88, 49 and 16, through Amador, El Dorado and Alpine County. More details here.

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 daily through Sept. 18 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Caltrans’ Meyers Maintenance Station, 2243 Cornelian Drive.

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 US-50 and experience the scenic Gold Country, which includes historic downtowns, dining and shopping options, museums and more. More information on the detour route is available here: way2tahoe.com/detour-information

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 visitamador.com or the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, alpinecounty.com.

For more information on the project, visit Way2.Tahoe.com on Twitter @way2Tahoe or on Facebook/Way2Tahoe.
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