Chain controls expected over Sierra passes

Caltrans is alerting motorists to expect winter driving conditions this weekend over Echo Summit and Donner Pass.

The National Weather Service expects about a foot of snow on Highway 50 and Interstate 80 beginning Saturday. The snow elevation is predicted to reach 5,400 feet on Interstate 80.

“While chain installers will most likely be present in the chain installation areas, they are not Caltrans employees who work specific hours. Should they not be present, motorists should be experienced in putting on and taking off their vehicle’s chains,” Caltrans warned in a press release.

Licensed chain installers can be identified by the three digit number on their bibs. Caltrans provides this number and bib only to those persons who have been licensed and trained to be a chain installer/remover by Caltrans.