PLACER/NEVADA COUNTIES – Caltrans is alerting motorists to the next scheduled closure of eastbound State Route 20 (SR 20) 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 workers building a long concrete channel with wood forms and rebar near a highway overpass
Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project, where crews have completed the first stem and soffit concrete pour and preparing for the second pour along the new westbound I-80 bridge span that crosses over SR 20.

Eastbound SR 20 is scheduled to be closed from 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 20 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 21. 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 for safety while crews continue stem and soffit concrete pours, which are core structural elements poured during the deck and girder construction process. 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 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 eastbound SR 20 closed near Emigrant Gap for Yuba Pass bridge construction; passenger vehicles detour via SR 174 to I-80, all vehicles via SR 49 to Bell Road to I-80

The extended lane closures will help minimize the duration of the work and improve worker safety.

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.