Highway 50 Rehabilitation Project to Bring Major Road Improvements Near Pollock Pines, Kyburz and Strawberry
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Motorists traveling through the Sierra corridor of El Dorado County will soon see major infrastructure improvements along U.S. Highway 50 as transportation officials move forward with a large-scale pavement rehabilitation project between Pollock Pines and Strawberry.
According to the California Department of Transportation, the project spans Highway 50 from west of Ice House Road to approximately one-half mile east of Strawberry. Work will focus on rehabilitating deteriorating pavement, improving drainage systems, and upgrading roadway safety features including lighting and guardrails.
The heavily traveled mountain route serves as a critical transportation artery connecting foothill communities to the Sierra Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin. The corridor is frequently impacted by harsh winter weather, chain controls, and high seasonal traffic volumes, all of which contribute to roadway wear over time.
Transportation officials say the rehabilitation effort is designed to extend the lifespan of the highway while improving safety for both residents and visitors traveling through communities such as Pollock Pines, Kyburz and Strawberry.
“Maintaining and improving Highway 50 is essential to preserving safe and reliable travel through the Sierra corridor,” Caltrans said in project materials describing the planned upgrades.
In addition to resurfacing damaged pavement, crews are expected to address drainage deficiencies that can contribute to roadway deterioration during heavy rain and snowmelt events. Planned guardrail and lighting improvements are also intended to reduce collision risks in mountain driving conditions where visibility and roadway geometry can quickly change.
Residents in the region are likely to experience temporary traffic controls, lane reductions and construction-related delays once work begins. Highway 50 remains one of the most important evacuation and emergency response routes in El Dorado County, making long-term roadway reliability a priority for state and local agencies.
The project reflects broader statewide efforts to modernize aging transportation infrastructure while improving safety and resilience on California’s mountain highways.
Additional project details and construction updates are expected to be released by Caltrans District 3 as the project advances.
COST ESTIMATE:
| Support Cost | $8,604,000 |
| Capital Cost | $24,961,000 |
| Total Project Cost | $33,565,000 |
SCHEDULE:
| Project Approval & Environmental Document | August 2024 |
| Design Completed | June 2025 |
| Advertise Project | October 2025 |
| Begin Construction | June 2026 |
| Complete Construction | December 2028 |
