CHP: I-80 In Sierra Reopened; Area Still An Active Fire Zone
TRUCKEE (CBS13) – The latest on the Farad Fire in Nevada County:
2:45 p.m.
California Highway Patrol says the eastbound and westbound directions of Interstate 80 near Truckee have been reopened.
The direction had been closed at State Route 267 since Tuesday morning as firefighters battled flames from a wildfire that reached right up the highway.
Only one lane of the westbound direction is open. Traffic is being escorted by CHP officers between Farad and the Nevada State Line.
Authorities are warning drivers that the area is still an active fire zone.
11:59 a.m.
A fire burning right up to the roadway has Interstate 80 closed in the high Sierra Tuesday morning.
California Highway Patrol says I-80 westbound is closed at the Nevada State Line due to spot fires and debris problems from the Farad Fire.
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The eastbound lane was closed at State Route 267 around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday so that gear and equipment to help fire the fire can be trucked in.
CHP says they don't know exactly when the freeway will be reopened again. As of early Tuesday afternoon, both directions of the freeway remain closed to traffic.
Mount Rose Highway is the only alternate route around the I-80 closure. CHP warns that while some GPS systems might list Dog Valley Road as an alternate route, that road is actually not viable unless your car has four-wheel drive.
Caltrans is reporting a significant amount of traffic along Highway 50 due to the I-80 closure. Drivers should expect delays.
