No lane reduction in new 50 corridor plan

The state is hoping elimination of any hint lanes might be reduced on Highway 50 will smooth the approval of the draft Highway 50 Tahoe East Shore Corridor Management Plan.

The draft plan and feedback portal opened at dot.nv.gov/US50EastShore on Wednesday.

The plan establishes a blueprint for potential future improvements to Highway on Tahoe’s east shore between junction with Highway 28 and the Nevada-California state line. Study recommendations do not include reduction of the number of highway lanes.

Those wishing to provide input can submit feedback via e-mail or mail, or during the in-person public meeting.

The public can view project information and provide comments by visiting dot.nv.gov/us50eastshore any time by March 14. Comments may be submitted by e-mailing mchandler@dot.nv.gov or mailing Melissa Chandler, NDOT planning, at 1263 South Street, Carson City, NV 89712 before 5 p.m.

An in-person open house public meeting is 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Whittell High School, located at 240 Warrior Way in Zephyr Cove. The meeting will be held in an open-house format, with a formal presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Those needing additional assistance with access to the meeting may email email jhopkins@dot.nv.gov or call 702-385-6509.

On average, more 100 crashes occur every year on the corridor, almost a third of which are documented to have speed as a contributing factor.

The draft plan is one of the final stages of a multi-year planning process to develop goals and identify vehicle, transit and multi-modal strategies to enhance traffic mobility and safety for all.

Since the planning process launched in 2021, outreach efforts have included engaging with nearly 400 public outreach tour attendees and reviewing more than 4,200 public and stakeholder comments.

The plan proposes a range of future vehicle, transit and multi-modal strategies to enhance roadway safety and mobility on Highway 50 between Spooner Summit and the Nevada-California border.

This year, the state will launch a project to repave approximately 13 miles between Stateline and Spooner Summit for a smoother and safer drive.