Echo Summit work on hold because of weather

Caltrans has temporarily halted construction work on Highway 50 at Echo Summit. Severe weather has brought heavier than expected snow and wind that have made working conditions unsafe.

Construction crews continued to work through the night Saturday in the storm, and got slab poured at wall No. 5. Four of the seven walls now have slab in place.

The storm has brought about 6 inches of snow to the project so far. Caltrans will continue to monitor weather conditions as the day progresses and resume work as soon as conditions are safe for work to continue.

Caltrans has a website featuring a map, up-to-date information about the project, information about the alternate routes and sites to visit along the way, live traffic cameras, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The closure is part of the first stage of a safety enhancement project that will remove damaged rock walls and replace them with a barrier that meets current safety standards. The project is funded in part ($1.9 million) by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.