With the setting of three bridge decks this fall, the Tahoe East Shore Trail has taken the last major steps toward completion by early June 2019, weather dependent. Nick Johnson, NDOT Project Manager, noted, “The major elements of the SR 28 Shared-use Path and Safety/Stormwater Enhancements were accomplished this construction season. After the recent progress in bridge deck installation, we are looking forward to opening the Trail for summer 2019.” 

Although Granite Construction encountered significant bedrock, not only this season but throughout the project, they were able to maintain the schedule and stay within budget. Cody Cummings, Granite Construction Project Manager, commented, “There were basically three separate projects wrapped into one: the construction of the shared-use path, installation of fiber optic conduit on SR 28 and water quality improvements on SR 28.” 

Cummings added, “The combination of a limited construction season in the Tahoe Basin, high traffic volumes during peak tourist season, difficult access and rugged terrain posed significant schedule and logistical challenges. The good weather and a strong partnership with TRPA allowed work to continue into the fall. This helped to minimize the amount of work remaining for spring 2019.”

A more complete summary of this season’s progress follows.

Approximately 2,400 lineal feet of soil nail wall sections now help stabilize the hillside.

• Five wall areas, in total, were completed this year. To date, eight sculpted soil nail wall sections, including the tunnel, have been installed, covering approximately 2,400 lineal feet. These sections consist of reinforcing steel drilled and grouted into the slope, pining back into the hillside to assist in stabilizing the slopes. Also completed, 208 lineal feet of MSE retaining wall and two cast-in-place concrete retaining walls (1,020 lineal feet).

• All 17 of the scenic vista points were constructed.

• A new, expanded restroom was installed at Hidden Beach.

• Transit pullouts at Hidden Beach were also added.

• Stormwater quality improvements completed north of Sand Harbor brought the total for the project to six miles.

• Fiber optic conduit - 148,402 lineal feet or 5.6 miles - was also installed adjacent to the water quality improvements from Incline to the Washoe County line.

• 13 critical repairs to the IVGID treated-water export line, totaling 1,150 lineal feet, were made. 

• The pedestrian crossing signals at Lakeshore Blvd. were completed. The crossing connects the existing path to the new shared-use path.

• All the Information kiosks have been installed.

• The SR 28 road signage and parking lot signage have been improved.

• The commemorative bear pavers are in place. (See “Commemorative Pavers Take Their Places.”)  

• The remaining bridge decks on two bridges south of Hidden Beach will be set. The public will be notified in advance of necessary late-night, full road closures.

• There will be some additional water quality work in the area south of Sand Harbor.

• Granite Construction will complete SR 28 rumble strip and striping from Ponderosa to US 50.

• Final touch-ups will be made: painting, pedestrian railing, minor sign work, installing wooden stairs to shoreline trails, other visitor amenities and cleanup.