Caltrans closes State Route 20 for bridge work June 1-3 | The Locally Times
Eastbound State Route 20 closes for 60 hours to allow for the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.
Caltrans District 3 will close eastbound State Route 20 between the Omega Scenic Overlook and the Interstate 80 junction from 6 a.m. Monday, June 1, through 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3. The closure allows for the demolition of a bridge pier and footing as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project, the effort to replace bridge infrastructure and increase load-carrying capacity for heavy freight trucks. ## Traffic and Commute Impact Motorists traveling toward the I-80 junction must use detours. Passenger vehicles must use State Route 49 in Auburn or State Route 174 in Colfax. Large trucks must use State Route 49 for the duration of the closure. The eastbound I-80 off-ramp to westbound State Route 20 will also close. Drivers seeking that route must continue on eastbound I-80 to the Eagle Lakes Road exit, then return on westbound I-80 to access the ramp. The California Highway Patrol will enforce a 55 mph speed limit within the construction zone. ## Project Goals and Timeline The Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project includes the construction of median barriers, drainage upgrades, and the installation of roadway weather information systems. Caltrans scheduled the bridge replacement work to continue through winter 2027. The agency states the construction schedule remains subject to change based on weather conditions or the availability of materials. The California Governor’s Newsroom reports that the state has funded 317 projects under the 'Clean California' initiative, which has removed 3.8 million cubic yards of litter from public spaces. ## Key Questions **How will the State Route 20 closure affect my commute?** Eastbound travelers between Nevada City and the I-80 junction must detour via State Route 49 or State Route 174, adding travel time to trips between Monday morning and Wednesday evening. **What is the purpose of the $112 million bridge project?** The project replaces bridge infrastructure to increase load-carrying capacity for extra-legal freight trucks and installs new safety features including median barriers and weather monitoring systems.