U.S. 50 Lane Reductions at Lake Tahoe: Important Travel Advisory

Construction Resumes on July 13

Motorists traveling on U.S. 50 at Lake Tahoe should prepare for lane reductions and shifts starting July 13, as part of an ongoing highway repaving project by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). This construction, which began in April, was temporarily paused for the Fourth of July holiday and the American Century Championship but will resume on the specified date.

Key Details of Lane Reductions

From July 13 through July 25, U.S. 50 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between State Route 207 and Elks Point Road. This reduction will occur from Sundays at 8 p.m. until Fridays at noon. Notably, all lanes will be open during weekends, allowing for smoother travel.

• Speed Limit: Reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
• Travel Delays: Moderate delays are expected.
• Access: While access to businesses and residences will generally be maintained, some side streets and driveways may experience temporary disruptions due to roadway excavation. Steel plates and earthwork will be utilized to restore access post-excavation.

Ongoing Weekday Overnight Lane Closures

Motorists should also anticipate additional traffic changes extending through October 2025, and again from April to October 2026.

• Single Lane Closures: These will occur Sundays at 8 p.m. through Fridays at noon along sections of U.S. 50 from Spooner Summit to the Nevada/California border at Stateline.
• Access Maintenance: Access to businesses and residences will be preserved in most areas, though some side streets may be temporarily affected.
• Speed Limit: Remains at 35 mph through work zones.
• Travel Delays: Expect moderate delays.

Lane reductions will not be enforced during major holidays or special events, and the construction schedule is subject to weather conditions.

Project Overview and Safety Enhancements

The repaving project aims to resurface over 13 miles of U.S. 50, from the Spooner Summit Trailhead near the U.S. 50/State Route 28 intersection to the Nevada/California border at Stateline.

Key Features of the Resurfacing Project

• Roadway Improvements: Three inches of aging roadway surface will be removed and replaced with new asphalt.
• Safety Enhancements:
  • Double yellow lines will create a two-foot separation between traffic directions to reduce head-on collisions.
  • Centerline rumble strips will be installed to alert drivers who may unintentionally leave their lanes.
  • Certain sections of guardrail will be upgraded to concrete barrier rail for enhanced safety.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Existing asphalt curbs will be replaced with concrete curbing to withstand winter snow removal, and drainage improvements will reduce water ponding on the roadway.
• Communication Expansion: A fiber optic trunk line will be installed to enhance NDOT’s communications network and support intelligent transportation systems.

Conclusion

With many sections of the highway remaining untouched since 2007, this resurfacing project is crucial for providing a smoother and safer driving experience for the approximately 26,000 daily travelers on this busy stretch of highway. NDOT has actively sought public and stakeholder feedback to inform the U.S. 50 Tahoe East Shore Corridor Management Plan, which outlines future improvements aimed at enhancing highway safety and mobility.

For more information on state highway conditions, visit dot.nv.gov or call (775) 888-7000. Stay updated by following @NevadaDOTReno on Twitter for traffic and project updates in northern Nevada, and @nevadadot on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.