Caltrans issues warning to cyclists, walkers in Tahoe construction zone

By Deanna Shoopman

Caltrans is reminding pedestrians and cyclists to respect the cone zone around Lake Tahoe Basin projects, especially along the stretch from Trout Creek Bridge to Ski Run Boulevard on Highway 50.

Caltrans crews are reporting that pedestrians and cyclists are crossing through the cone zone to access various destinations along the project site.

“The safety of all parties is our top priority and illegally entering a cone zone is extremely unsafe,” said Jody Jones, Caltrans’ district three director. “We understand the inconveniences these types of projects present, but we must enforce respect of the cone zones to ensure everybody’s safety.”

Caltrans officials are reminding pedestrians and cyclists that entering a cone zone is:

• Unsafe and can lead to serious injury and/or death

• Interferes with and delays construction

• Can result in a citation and fine

The project on from Trout Creek Bridge to Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe is a 2 mile, $40.6 million road improvement project that is part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program. The project includes:

• New sand traps, stormwater detention vaults and filtration ponds to collect and treat runoff before it reaches Lake Tahoe

• Class II bike lanes

• ADA-compliant sidewalks

• Pedestrian lighting

• New intersection signals, landscaping and streetscaping

• Shoulders widening to six feet

“We are working hard to keep the construction on schedule so that cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy South Lake Tahoe without this significant inconvenience,” Jones said. “In the meantime, we just want everybody to be safe and to avoid entering a cone zone illegally.”

The project is funded by a combination of state, federal and local funds. In addition, $4.43 million in donated land was contributed by El Dorado County and the city of South Lake Tahoe.

Deanna Shoopman is a spokeswoman for Caltrans.