Caltrans schedules long-term closures on Eastbound SR 20 through October 2027 | The Locally Times
Construction crews will implement recurring lane closures on State Route 20 to replace a bridge and increase freight load capacity.
Caltrans District 3 has scheduled a series of long-term closures on eastbound State Route 20 (SR 20) between the Omega Scenic Overlook and the Interstate 80 (I-80) junction, with work continuing through October 2027. The construction project aims to replace an existing bridge and upgrade infrastructure to accommodate extra-legal load trucks, according to a July 20 news release from the agency. ## Traffic Impacts and Detours Motorists traveling from the Nevada City and Grass Valley area toward I-80 must utilize detours via State Route 49 (SR 49) to Auburn or State Route 174 to Colfax. Caltrans directs large trucks to use SR 49 exclusively during these periods. Eastbound I-80 drivers attempting to connect to SR 20 are required to detour to Eagle Lakes Road and return on westbound I-80 to access the westbound SR 20 off-ramp. These closures are necessary for the project contractor, Flatiron Dragados of Concord, to perform bridge replacement, median barrier construction, drainage upgrades, and the installation of roadway weather information systems. Westbound SR 20 remains open for travel between the I-80 junction and Nevada City. ## Project Timeline Construction crews are currently demobilizing a crane used for precast girder installation, necessitating a closure from 6 p.m. Sunday, July 19, through 9 a.m. Thursday, July 23. While this specific window concludes the current phase, Caltrans confirms that additional closures are scheduled through October 2027. The project is expected to reach completion by winter 2027. Officials note that all schedules remain subject to change based on weather conditions, material availability, or other unforeseen events. ## What to Watch Travelers should monitor the Caltrans QuickMap app or the agency’s social media channels on X and Facebook for real-time traffic updates and specific closure dates as the multi-year project progresses.