Work to reduce rockfalls expected on Echo Summit next week

Rock scaling and slope stabilization next week on Echo Summit will cause delays for travelers on Highway 50.

The California Department of Transportation is alerting travelers that starting Monday passenger cars and pick-up trucks will be rerouted to Johnson Pass Road with one-way traffic control in effect to reduce Echo Summit traffic queues, said Caltrans.

Commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles towing trailers will remain on Highway 50 over Echo Summit with one-way traffic control in effect.

Delays of 30-45 minutes are expected over the summit.

Detours and traffic controls will be in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Caltrans said the traffic controls will permit contractor Granite Construction to expedite rock scaling and slope stabilization activities in the area. Rock scaling activities have been in effect since early March after a large boulder fell onto Highway 50, blocking traffic in both directions. Caltrans used explosives to reduce the large boulder to pieces, permitting the highway to reopen. Caltrans is monitoring the slope around the clock until all scaling activities have been completed.

Travelers on Highway 50 will also run into one-way traffic control between Kyburz and Strawberry for vegetation removal following the Caldor Fire. Motorists should expect travel delays in this area as well. Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work.