89 realignment

Here’s the latest on the Fanny Bridge project.

After multiple years of study and various alternatives considered, a multimillion-dollar project that aims to ease traffic congestion in Tahoe City is scheduled to break ground this summer.

The Highway 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project consists of replacing the aging Fanny Bridge with a new two-lane bridge over the Truckee River, realigning Highway 89 and the installation of three roundabouts — one at the “Wye” intersection and one at either end of the new Highway 89 alignment.

While work is anticipated to start this construction season, which typically extends from May 1 and Oct. 15, the specific month it will begin is yet to be determined, said Tahoe Transportation District Manager Carl Hasty, considering the project has yet to be bid.

However, Hasty said he anticipates work to start in late summer (end of July, early August).

This season’s work will consist of the Highway 89 realignment, which adds a two-lane bypass through the 64 Acres lot in National Forest System land, and the installation of the two roundabouts at either end.

Traffic will continue using the existing Highway 28 and 89 alignment during this work, Hasty said, in an effort to minimize any disruptions.

The new 89 alignment is expected to open for use in summer 2017, as work begins on the second half of the project — construction of the new Fanny Bridge, “Wye” roundabout and street enhancements along the “old” Highway 89 route, which will become a local road.

The entire Highway 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project is anticipated to take two construction seasons to complete.

It’s estimated that project construction will cost $26.3 million, Hasty said, with funding provided by the Federal Lands Access Program ($30.6 million), California Transportation Commission Active Transportation Program ($4.9 million) and Placer County ($3.7 million).

Overall project goals include resolving existing and future traffic congestion at the “Wye” intersection, improving safety and access, and addressing the structural integrity of the 87-year-old Fanny Bridge.

This article was shared from the Sierra Sun.

For details on this project visit FannyBridge.org.