State begins work Monday to install Whittell traffic light

Lane reductions and permanent roadside parking restrictions will begin Monday as the Nevada Department of Transportation installs a traffic signal and works on Highway 50 near Warrior Way on Lake Tahoe’s east shore.

Intermittent weekday single lane closures will be in place between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., with periodic overnight lane closures.

Additional brief lane closures may also take place in the winter and spring to finalize activation of the signal.

The new signal will provide protected turns to and from Warrior Way. In one previous year, nearly 575 turns were made from U.S. 50 and Warrior Way during peak morning and evening commute hours alone. For enhanced emergency response, the signal will temporarily stop traffic as fire engines respond from Tahoe-Douglas Fire Station 24.

As the first in a series of traffic signals, an advance signal warning light will be installed to alert drivers approaching the new signal in the westbound direction. Intersection striping and lighting will also be slightly modified.

Crosswalks, intersection sidewalks and a short pathway will be constructed leading visitors directly from the signalized intersection into the U.S. Forest Service Zephyr Cove Day Use Area. An infiltration basin and drainage improvements will also be installed north of the intersection to enhance natural roadway stormwater infiltration and water quality.

Work will also permanently remove on-highway parking between Warrior Way and the Zephyr Cove Resort entrance.

“The on-highway parking is being removed to reduce safety concerns associated with vehicles parking along the shoulders of the heavily traveled highway,” Transportation Spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said. “The parking restrictions are aimed at keeping everyone safer by reducing the potential of pedestrian and other traffic crashes. Motorists currently park on the narrow shoulder near the highway’s busy travel lanes, creating potential traffic safety concerns. Erosion and dust pollution created by parking on the dirt roadway shoulders can also impact the Lake Tahoe environment.”

The state is working with corridor partners to evaluate potential additional parking opportunities.

About 19,000 vehicles travel Highway 50 daily, according to the state.

Within the coming five years, the state plans to repave and improve approximately 13 miles of Highway 50 between Stateline and Spooner Summit.

The state continues to gather feedback on work between the state line and Spooner Summit at www.dot.nv.gov/us50eastshore