Fanny Bridge/SR 89 Realignment

The realignment for State Route (SR) 89 which is currently underway, involves new roundabouts in/around Tahoe City and a proposed reconstruction of Fanny Bridge.

According to the notice from Placer County, TRPA, and the USFS, the proposed project “aims to improve traffic congestion at the intersection of highways 28 and 89 in Tahoe City and address the long-term structural integrity of Fanny Bridge over the Truckee River. Improvements are designed to reduce traffic congestion, accommodate future traffic increases, enhance motorized and non-motorized mobility, increase access across the Truckee River, address pedestrian and traffic safety concerns, and encourage revitalization of the Tahoe City community.” The environmental documents examine seven project alternatives and are available online. The DEIR/S notes that Alternative 1 is considered by the lead agencies to be the ‘proposed project.’

Read the Fanny Bridge Project Frequently Asked Questions

FOWS is concerned about the potential for several impacts, including possible increases in traffic on the West Shore. Several West Shore community members have also expressed concerns about the project. We encourage you to attend the meetings and/or submit comments.

Timeline

June 2020: Construction for 2020 includes curb, gutter, sidewalk, and bike path improvements and will all take place off the roadway and/or along shoulders. Construction of a roundabout at the Wye and replacement of Fanny Bridge may begin in 2022, depending on funding.

December 2019: The new highway segment, new Truckee River Bridge, and two roundabouts on either end of the realignment are now open . A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on 12/16. Pending funding, the next phase of the project (the replacement of Fanny Bridge and changes to the Tahoe City Wye intersection) may begin spring 2021 and be completed by fall 2022. Read background information here .

2018: The project is under construction. Ongoing updates are available here.

October 2017: According to a recent email update from the Tahoe Transportation District, several parts of the project have been completed, including but not limited to a new rockery wall on SR 89 across from the Caltrans yard and a new entrance to the Tahoe City Transit Center. Paving is scheduled for spring 2018.

December 2016: Tree removal on the 64-acre Tract has begun. Construction of the new bridge and roundabouts is expected to begin this spring. More information regarding the phases of the project can be viewed here. Project updates are also available from the Tahoe Transportation District.

January 2016: As noted in FOWS’ request to the DOT and in previous comments, California officials are pursuing changes related to how transportation impacts are evaluated as the state recognizes that the type of transportation analysis used to support the expansion of SR 89 for this project is contrary to the goals of reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. In January 2016, the California Office of Planning and Research released proposed updates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address this problem.

November 2015: FOWS submitted a request to the Department of Transportation for phased approach to project. Recommendations include:

“[We] recommend the DOT consider a phased approach. This would involve repairing Fanny Bridge, gathering current and appropriate information regarding pedestrian activity in the area, and testing alternative options (e.g. controlling pedestrian traffic in Tahoe City) to determine whether other measures will help alleviate traffic during the busiest peak periods. We believe this would be a more fiscally responsible and environmentally prudent approach to addressing peak period issues in this area.”

You can read the DOT’s response here.

May 2015: The Final Environmental Impact Report/Study/Assessment (FEIR/FEIS/EA) for the proposed Realignment of State Route 89 (in the area known as “Fanny Bridge”) was certified by the TRPA on May 27, 2015. The agencies’ “Preferred Alternative” (Alternative 1) includes a new 9-foot elevated bridge, 2-3 lanes wide with 8-foot shoulders on each side, spanning over the Truckee River, and a new elevated highway segment built across the remaining forested area of the 64-acre Tract. FOWS is concerned about the environmental and community impacts that will result from the new bridge and bypass, as well as the additional traffic it will likely generate along the West Shore. Worse yet, the project doesn’t even address one of the key causes of congestion at the Tahoe City Wye – pedestrian crossings in Tahoe City. The environmental documents failed to gather even the most basic information needed to assess impacts, nor to consider California’s recognition that these types of projects actually make traffic worse in the long run, and the final responses to comments give little consideration to the many comments, concerns, and suggestions raised by the public. As expressed in our comments and attachments to the TRPA Governing Board regarding the May 27th hearing, FOWS remains concerned with the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the proposed new bypass and bridge.

March 2015: After TRPA approved an extension of the comment period, FOWS submitted additional comments on March 9, 2015. In a rush to secure federal funding, the agencies have placed approval of the project documents on the fast track, with multiple votes and hearings scheduled for April.

4/8: TRPA Advisory Planning Commission, So. Stateline FOWS comments to the APC
4/10: Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Granlibakken FOWS comments to the TTD
4/23: TRPA Governing Board, Kings Beach

February 2015: FOWS Comments

Timeline

What Can I Do?

Martis Valley West

West Shore Pedestrian and Bike Trails