Delays expected on Highway 50 at Tahoe's Cave Rock for rockfall treatment
Lake Tahoe bound motorists can expect delays of up to 30 minutes Wednesday at the Cave Rock tunnel on Highway 50 due to rockfall work, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Work will commence, weather dependent, on a project that will further evaluate and secure the Cave Rock rock face and slope on U.S. 50, Lake Tahoe following recent rockfall.
From 9 a.m. and throughout the day of May 27, westbound travel lanes through the tunnel will be closed. Both directions of traffic will be alternated through the eastbound tunnel, with up to 30-minute travel delays to be expected.
In early February, major rains loosened rocks from above the Cave Rock tunnel, temporarily closing highway lanes near the tunnel. NDOT maintenance crews immediately removed the boulders from the roadway. Rockfall mitigation experts were called in to closely analyze the slope and make recommendations to further stabilize remaining rocks.
This week’s work will remove any additional rock debris above the tunnel. Experts will also investigate current rock face condition and develop interim strategies to further heighten slope stability and safety. The work will be performed by Hi-Tech Rockfall, considered an industry leader in rockfall reduction and slope stabilization.
“Making sure that drivers can safely get where they need to go is our top priority, and this work is part of a series of upcoming planned improvements to continually enhance travel and preserve safety through Cave Rock,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained.
State road conditions, updates and maps are available at www.nevadadot.com.