I-80 And Highway 50 Are Open With Chain Controls, But Officials Are Urging People To Stay Home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) — While the major Sierra highways are back open as of Wednesday morning, officials are urging people to stay home to keep traffic to a minimum.

Both eastbound and westbound Interstate 80 were reopened on Tuesday after being closed since the holiday weekend. Chain controls are in effect from Colfax to the Nevada State Line.

Heavy snow coated the roadway - and downed trees also proved to be a major issue as well for Caltrans crews.

Highway 50 was reopened first, but people trying to go around the I-80 closure meant a massive backup along the corridor. As of Wednesday, Highway 50 remains open up to the Nevada State Line - but Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak issued an emergency order to close US-50 at the state line Tuesday night, meaning only Nevada residents will be let through for the time being. All other recreational traffic is being turned at the state line.

Another snowstorm is hitting Northern California on Wednesday, adding to the already impressive totals from the past week.

Caltrans is urging people not to travel unless it's essential. Highway 50 heading down the mountain is already experiencing very long days, officials warn.

For Highway 50, chain controls are in effect 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.

In:
• Interstate 80
• Highway 50
• Caltrans