Highway 50 to be closed

Starting on Wednesday, May 11, U.S. 50 will be closed at Echo Summit for about two weeks. That's the Sierra pass above the southwest corner of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be replacing a rock wall along the stretch of road that climbs steeply from Meyers to Echo Summit. If you've driven here before, you know the highway is narrow and twisty, with no way to create a detour where the work will be done. One-way controlled traffic will be implemented at times before and after the main work, and the project is estimated to be completed by Memorial Day.

There are, however, other ways around for those needing to cross the Sierra south of Lake Tahoe. The main detour involves Highways 88, 49, and 16. The detours add up to 35 miles to the trip and extra time, but you'll get to travel through California's Gold Country and perhaps visit some places you haven't seen before. I've driven all of these roads - they are in good shape and are a pleasant way to cross the Sierra Nevada. You won't be able to go fast even if you want to, so plan on extra time to reach your destination. Get details from the Caltrans website about the project... Way2Tahoe.com.

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