PLACER/NEVADA COUNTIES – Caltrans is alerting motorists to an extension of the eastbound State Route 20 (SR 20) closure between the Omega Scenic Overlook and the Interstate 80 (I-80) junction as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.

Aerial view of a bridge under construction near a highway, with cranes, formwork, and trucks passing on the road above through a forested mountain landscape
Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project, where crews have installed some of the falsework over SR 20 that will help support the formwork used to pour the new concrete bridge.

Eastbound SR 20 is now scheduled to be closed through 6 a.m. Sunday, September 20. The eastbound I-80 off-ramp to SR 20 will also be closed during this time. Westbound SR 20 will remain open for travel between the I-80 junction and Nevada City.

The closure is necessary to continue falsework installation and grading work for the section of the new bridge that crosses directly over SR 20. The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.

The following detours are available for motorists:

  • Drivers in the Nevada City/Grass Valley area looking to connect to I-80 can detour southbound on State Route 49 (SR 49) to connect with I-80 in Auburn or southbound on State Route 174 (SR 174) to connect with I-80 in Colfax. Large trucks are directed to only use SR 49. 
  • Eastbound I-80 motorists looking to connect to SR 20 can detour to Eagle Lakes Road and head back on westbound I-80 to the westbound SR 20 off-ramp.
Map showing Yuba Pass eastbound SR 20 closure near Emigrant Gap; detour via SR 174 to I-80 for passenger vehicles, or SR 49 to Bell Road to I-80 for all vehicles
Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project detour map, showing how motorists can use SR 49 and SR 174 to connect with I-80.

The extended lane closures will help minimize the duration of the work and improve worker safety. Additional closures are scheduled through October. 

Flatiron Dragados of Concord is the prime contractor. The project will replace the existing bridge and improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load-carrying capacity for extra-legal load trucks. The project also includes construction of median barriers, upgraded drainage and the installation of roadway weather information systems. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 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.