PLACER/NEVADA COUNTIES – Caltrans is alerting motorists of 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.

Eastbound SR 20 is scheduled to be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, November 9 through 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 10. 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.

Aerial view of highway bridge under construction, with rebar deck, cranes, and workers above a mountain highway
Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project, where crews are preparing for concrete deck pours along the new westbound Interstate 80 bridge span that crosses over State Route 20.

The closure is necessary for safety while crews begin to pour the concrete deck along the new westbound I-80 bridge span which 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 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 of Yuba Pass Bridge construction detours: eastbound SR 20 closed near Emigrant Gap; passenger vehicles detour via SR 174 to I-80 at Colfax; all vehicles may detour via SR 49 to Bell Road to I-80 near Auburn
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.

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.