El Dorado County– Caltrans announced it will temporarily close U.S. Highway 50 at Echo Summit for approximately two weeks, depending on weather, beginning May 11. The closure is part of the first stage of a safety enhancement project that will remove damaged rock walls and replace them with a barrier that meets current safety standards. The project is funded in part ($1.9 million) by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

“This project is a great example of how Caltrans is putting the Recovery Act to good use, providing jobs and at the same time making  U.S. Highway 50 safer for the public,” said Caltrans Director Cindy McKim.

There will be one-way controlled traffic on May 9 and 10, and Mondays through noon on Fridays for up to six weeks after U.S. Highway 50 is reopened. The highway will be open with no restrictions on Memorial Day weekend.

Alternate routes around the closure take travelers through the scenic gold country of El Dorado and Amador counties. Motorists should allow approximately one hour extra travel time during the two week full closure to reach South Lake Tahoe. The alternate routes available from U.S. Highway 50 are:

Motorists coming through the Stockton area can exit State Route 99 as usual at State Route 88 east, continuing onto State Route 88/49. In Jackson, turn left to continue on State Route 88 east. At State Route 89 turn left (north) and follow it to U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.

Caltrans will place electronic message signs at key positions on all of these highways to direct travelers. During the temporary full closure, U.S. Highway 50 will be open for visitors to Placerville and other locations as far east as Sierra at Tahoe Road near Echo Summit.

“The alternate route through El Dorado and Amador Counties is a good way to go any time there are closures or substantial delays on U.S. Highway 50 due to weather, collisions or construction,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Jody Jones.

Caltrans has a website (www.Way2Tahoe.com)featuring a map, up-to-date information about the project, information about the alternate routes and sites to visit along the way, live traffic cameras, and answers to frequently asked questions. There is also an e-mail alert feature, allowing the public to sign up for project updates. Website visitors can also track the project’s progress via Twitter (@Way2Tahoe) and on Facebook.

California has obligated nearly $2.6 billion in Recovery Act funding to nearly 1,000 highway, local street, and job training transportation projects statewide. For more information on the Recovery Act visit: http://recovery.ca.gov/.

For informaiton on alternate routes, details, maps, etc. seach for ‘Tahoe South’ in the App Store or download the free Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority mobile app here: http://on.affinityamp.com/tahoesouth/5988_r1.