MARYSVILLE June 9, 2017 – Caltrans is alerting motorists to the National Weather Service forecast of a cold front moving through Northern California this weekend, with snow levels dropping to pass levels for Donner Pass on Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50’s Echo Summit and Carson Pass on Highway 88 Saturday night into Sunday morning June 10-11. Weekend travelers to higher elevations are urged to slow down and use caution, particularly when low overnight temperatures will combine with precipitation to create icy roadway conditions.
Traveling too fast for wet conditions often results in hydroplaning – caused when moisture reduces a tire’s traction on the pavement. The resulting loss of vehicle control often ends in collisions with other vehicles or with obstructions off the roadway’s edge. Should multiple vehicles be involved, the highway may require lane or full closure until the incident is cleared and the roadway re-opened.
With higher volumes of traffic occuring on weekends, traffic congestion may occur. Travelers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time or schedule their arrivals and departures outside of peak periods of traffic: Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Traveling with a full tank of gas, extra food, water and warm clothing, and a vehicle in good working order is recommended.
Caltrans will issue traffic updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict 3. Visit Caltrans’ “QuickMap” for current road conditions 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 are urged to “Slow for the Cone Zone” and “Move Over” when safe to do so whenever flashing lights, first responders, or Caltrans workers are observed on the highway.