Workshop for proposed South Shore Lake Tahoe Highway 50 realignment project set; public comment sought

The Tahoe Transportation District will host its second public workshop to discuss the US 50, Lake Tahoe South Shore Community Revitalization project, Wednesday, November 7, at Embassy Suites from 1-3 p.m.

The Lake Tahoe workshop will provide background on the project, outline goals and solicit input from individuals throughout the community. The open house format allows for members of the community to participant in the workshop anytime between workshop hours.

Additionally, a Community Review Committee comprised of local residents and business persons is being formed to facilitate communications and vet all alternative proposals with the goal of developing solutions to address concerns from impacted landowners, tenants and the general public. The committee will provide recommendations regarding business access, landscaping and gateway features, residential and business relocation considerations and other relevant project elements with the objective of developing the best project for the community and environment. Nominations for the CRC will be solicited following the conclusion of the schedule workshops which are intended to determine what additional alternatives will be considered in the environmental analysis.

Andrew Durling, Associate Planner with Wood Rodgers Reno office, an engineering, architectural and planning firm, will facilitate the public workshop and Community Review Committee, specifically fostering problem-solving, collaboration and consensus-building for alternative evaluations and selections. The Sacramento-based firm has experience facilitating a variety of public transportation projects throughout the region.

“It’s important that business owners and residents have all the facts to evaluate the potential safety, economic and environmental aspects of the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project,” said Carl Hasty, District Manager for TTD. “This will also provide the public a format to express ideas and alternatives to the existing proposal that best serve the community.”

The current proposal intends to realign US Highway 50 near Stateline with four lanes along Lake Parkway East behind Harrah’s, MontBleu and the Village Shopping Center (formerly the Crescent V) while converting the artery through the casino core into three lanes with thoroughfares reconnecting at Pioneer Trail in California. A reclassification from federal highway to local street status would provide for local area control and development of a local “main street.”

Lake-Wide Transportation Project Updates
The Tahoe Transportation District is currently guiding multiple projects providing lake wide connectivity throughout the Tahoe Basin to improve safety, mobility, and lake clarity while reducing traffic congestion.

The East Shore Express, a pilot Park and Ride bus service from Incline Village to Sand Harbor Beach State Recreation Area, generated 12,155 rides between June 15 and Labor Day. TTD also partnered with the United States Forest Service, Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol and Washoe County School District on the project.

The Incline Gateway, the Tahoe Basin’s first roundabout, at Mount Rose Highway and State Route 28, was officially dedicated October 17, 2012. The public/private partnership included cooperative efforts with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Washoe County, Incline Village General Improvement District, Q&D Construction, and the Incline Gateway Committee, the public art organization that commissioned local artist June Towill Brown to create bronze replicas of native animals.

Also scheduled for completion is the first segment of America's Most Beautiful Bikeway - South Demonstration Project. The 3.2-mile route between Stateline and Round Hill is part of an eventual 30+ mile segment of the Nevada Stateline to Stateline Bikeway along the east shore.

For details about Tahoe Transportation District current projects: www.TahoeTransportation.org or call 775-589-5500.