EMERALD BAY January 18, 2017 – Caltrans is alerting motorists that a four-mile section of State Highway 89 on either side of Emerald Bay remains closed because of heavy snowfall and debris on the roadway.
Caltrans maintenance staff has begun working to clear the highway, which is buried in up to 30 feet of snow in some locations, but with more storms expected to arrive Wednesday through the weekend, reopening the highway won’t be possible until a stretch of dry weather allows for workers to safely clear the area.
Motorists needing to travel from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe to the North or West Shore or vice versa will need to use U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 28.
The National Weather Service is forecasting several new feet of snow over the Echo (Highway 50) and Donner (Interstate 80) mountain passes from three upcoming storms, with the first to hit on Wednesday and the last to arrive Sunday into Monday. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by following the winter driving tips listed at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
- Check out Caltrans’ “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. A mobile version is also available.
- Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
- Motorists can see real-time conditions before they hit the road by using our map of traffic cameras available for District 3 and statewide.
- Follow Caltrans District 3 on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest information about current roadway conditions.
- For forecast information, visit the National Weather Service website.