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Supervisor Novasel recommending the Board authorize the Chief Administrative Office and other appropriate staff to work with Assemblyman Bigelow to explore potential legislative changes that could mitigate some of the traffic challenges facing the Highway 50 Corridor between Placerville and the South Lake Tahoe Basin.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The popularity of the Tahoe basin and its surroundings has increased as more people choose the area as either a residence or vacation destination. The result has been increased traffic congestion, particularly on the last day of holiday weekends, from drivers leaving the area. Add the uncontrollable impacts of poor weather, a closure of I-80, avalanche control, accidents and drivers parked illegally along Highway 50, and the advent of mapping apps such as Waze and Google Maps which direct drivers through neighborhoods to avoid backups on the highway, and the issue becomes compounded, making routine trips nearly impossible and adding between 4 and 6 hours to a trip from Tahoe to the Bay Area.
El Dorado County leaders have taken several steps to help ensure the safest and most expedient passage for emergency vehicles, residents and visitors. In the last three years, the County has taken the following actions to address this issue:
· After a particularly bad weekend in February 2016, Supervisor Novasel convened a conference call with 17 representatives from Caltrans, CHP, City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department, City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office City of South Lake Tahoe’s Mayor and City Manager, and others to determine what actions each jurisdiction took. The group considered the following possible solutions:
· Discuss diverting Hwy 50 traffic to Carson Pass, Hwy 88 (Caltrans said this is not a feasible solution due to avalanche controls in 3-4 locations)
· Encourage all agencies to enlist more public relations, information outreach (agreed)
· During ch...
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