Lake Tahoe has many hidden beaches and secret spots that tourists and locals alike hunt down, but getting to these every summer can be a bit dangerous.
“People would have to climb over the guard rail and walk on a cliff to get to their favorite rock,” said Project Manager for Granite Construction John O’Day.
In 2016, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Granite Construction started the multi-use path project.
"Not only will the path connect and provide access to some of the more beautiful areas of Lake Tahoe, but it will critically also bring safety enhancements to all drivers and pedestrians on State Route 28," said Meg Ragonese, Public Information Officer for NDOT.
They have already installed four of the six bridges on the path. There are parking lots on each end, which means fewer people parking on the sides of the road.
"They can also take a shuttle that will drop them off at Hidden Beach as well as Sand Harbor," said O’Day.
NDOT is also using this opportunity to try to improve water quality. Crews are improving storm drains and filtration systems. In order to install these two bridges, one of them spanning 800 feet, Granite has to bring out the heavy machinery, and that means lane closures.
Those closures are scheduled for April 29th, May 1st, 6th 7th, 14th and 15th from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers should also expect one lane closed Sunday through Friday in the same area. Granite says that many people try to use the path already, but want to remind everyone that it’s closed until construction is complete. They expect tourists and locals alike to be able to enjoy the paths before summer ends.
“We are looking at before 4th of July, late June...we have lots of little things to do along with the bridges,” said O’Day.
The path will run from South Incline Village to Sand Harbor.
