Interstate 80 Reopens Over the Snowy Sierra
It’s been a busy week for CalTrans employees attempting to keep our roadways open in the midst of Snowmageddon 2021. Over the snowy Sierra, workers have finally completed the reopening of busy Interstate 80 between Auburn and the Nevada border. With some Tahoe areas reporting up to 88 inches of snow this week, it’s been no easy task.
As of 9 am Friday morning, the highway had reopened with chain controls following multiple closures on Thursday:
I-80 chain control update: R-2 EB Drum to Nevada state line, WB Nevada state line to Alta https://t.co/4uUadqf7Oj
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) January 29, 2021
Before deciding to venture onto the long and snowy road, be sure to check CalTrans updates and bring chains. Per usual, the California Highway Patrol in Truckee took a humorous approach to the situation, warning of more closures if people don’t travel cautiously:
Let’s all work together and SLOW DOWN as the speed limit in chain control is 30 mph!! Give yourself enough space with the vehicle in front of you and be patient so we can avoid spin outs and traffic collisions…or the freeway will close again. #chptruckee #slowdown
— CHP-Truckee (@CHP_Truckee) January 29, 2021
 pic.twitter.com/hs3BRNhDaz
Across the lake on the south side, Highway 50 had also reopened with chain controls. If you do plan to travel that direction, there will surely be long delays:
CHAIN CONTROLS
— CHP Placerville (@CHPPlacerville) January 29, 2021
Miles long back up on Highway 50. Please be prepared for LONG delays. Trucks over 65 feet are never allowed East of Sly Park Road, even without snow/chain conditions. If you dint have chains, you will be turned around. pic.twitter.com/vMQk2rfRat
With a sunny weekend ahead, the roadways will almost certainly be packed with Weekend Warriors attempting to get their skis and snowboards on some of that fresh pow. If you must travel to Tahoe (we recommend you don’t), please drive safe.
