The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved a project to widen Highway 49 between Ponderosa Pines Way just north of Alta Sierra to Wolf Road in Grass Valley.
The $101.5 million project includes the addition of shoulders and a center two-way left turn, which will allow safer operations for vehicles entering and exiting the highway. The improvements will also reduce wildfire evacuation times if the need arises.
The commission approved the project at its December meeting; no timeline has been set yet as to when construction will begin
Supervisor Ed Scofield serves as chairman of the Nevada County Transportation Commission, who submitted the project for funding in coordination with Caltrans District 3.
“Those of us living south of Grass Valley assume that during an evacuation once we reach Highway 49, we’ll be safe,” said District 2 Supervisor Ed Scofield, who represents the communities of Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines, and the unincorporated areas along Highway 49. “This project will assure the ability to keep evacuation routes open and could certainly save lives.”
Construction will be paid for through $66.5 million in State Highway Operations and Protection Program funds committed by Caltrans District 3 and $35 million from the CTC's Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program. The Nevada County Transportation Commission is the nominating agency and Caltrans District 3 is the implementing agency.
