NEVADA COUNTY – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an upcoming 11-day closure of eastbound State Route 20 (SR 20) at the junction with Interstate 80 (I-80) as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.
Crews are scheduled to start demolition of the westbound bridge span along I-80 that crosses directly over SR 20 on Sunday, May 3. For safety reasons, eastbound SR 20 will be closed between the Omega Scenic Overlook and the junction with I-80.
The schedule is as follows:
- 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3 through 9 a.m. Friday, May 8
- 7 p.m. Sunday, May 10 through 9 a.m. Friday, May 15
- 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17 through 9 a.m. Friday, May 22
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 also 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.
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.