Caltrans halts Hwy. 88 work to ease Hwy. 50 closure congestion

Pressure from South Lake Tahoe officials worked in getting Caltrans to stop construction on Highway 88 over the Carson Pass today.

This is the route state highway officials had told people to use to get to and from the South Shore with Highway 50 being closed because of they Kyburz Fire.

The paving project stopped at about 2pm July 24. However, by that time there was already a four-hour delay, according to Caltrans.

“There are an OMG number of cars stacked up with no bathrooms, no knowledge of the delay and no cell service. I’d say I passed 4,000,” South Lake Tahoe resident Duane Wallace told Lake Tahoe News at about 2:10pm.

It was city officials who worked to get Caltrans to stop the project.

City Manager Nancy Kerry said it was everyone working together that got the job stopped. She told Lake Tahoe News it could be devastating for the region if people are not able to easily get to and from the area.

Highway 80 is an option. Work on Highway 89 ended at 10am Friday.

Highway 50 is closed between Meyers and Sly Park Road. It’s possible it will open to one lane metered traffic later today.

Click on the state icon at the top of Lake Tahoe News’ home page for up-to-date information from Caltrans.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report