CARSON CITY, Nev. – Lane shifts and reductions will take place Oct. 21 on U.S. 50 through the Cave Rock tunnels at Tahoe as the Nevada Department of Transportation removes rock from the slope above the tunnels. The work was originally scheduled for Oct. 18, but was rescheduled due to weather.

On Oct. 21 between 7 a.m.-12 p.m., U.S. 50 will be reduced to one lane in each direction and westbound traffic will be routed through the eastbound Cave Rock tunnel. Motorists are advised to slow to posted speed limits and travel safely through road work zones. The construction schedule will remain subject to change based on weather.
Rock fall reduction and slope stabilization experts will remove rock on the south end slope of the lakeside tunnel to help reduce potential of rock fall onto the roadway. Removal this fall will reduce risk of the rocks potentially being loosened by the natural winter freeze-thaw cycle.

When heavy rains loosened boulders from the northern rock face above the Cave Rock tunnel in 2015, NDOT extended the westbound, lakeside Cave Rock tunnel with an approximately 60-foot long tunnel addition to catch rock fall before it reaches the roadway. The smaller rocks being removed this month are on the opposite end of the westbound tunnel. The rocks were identified as part of NDOT’s routine tunnel and bridge inspections.  

State road information is available at dot.nv.gov or by dialing (775) 888-7000.