Travel Delays Anticipated During Helicopter Slope Operations
SIERRA/NEVADA COUNTIES – Caltrans is alerting Interstate 80 (I-80) east- and westbound motorists to expect continued rolling traffic breaks at various locations next week near the California-Nevada border for mountain slope protection work.
A contractor will be utilizing a helicopter to fly wire mesh drapery panels to the top of the mountainside near Mystic and the state line.
Between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, August 30 and Wednesday, August 31, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will perform rolling traffic holds along east- and westbound I-80 during helicopter work. Traffic will be held in both directions for approximately 10 minutes before being released. Motorists should expect travel delays of up to 30 minutes due to queuing during traffic holds.
In addition, I-80 westbound motorists should expect daytime lane reductions next Monday, August 29 and Thursday, September 1 for construction activities. The construction schedule is subject to change based on weather, equipment and CHP availability or other unexpected events.
The improvements are part of a $12.6 million project to stabilize the cut slope along I-80 westbound just west of the California-Nevada state line to prevent continued rockfall onto shoulder areas and the roadway. The project will include flattening the existing slope, installing drapery systems, and constructing concrete barriers and valley gutters.
Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc. of Compton is the prime contractor for the project, which is scheduled to be completed in November.
