SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – After the installation of traffic crossing lights last year, commuters on U.S. Highway 50 may have noticed that the lights have not been operational and crosswalks have not been painted. The Caltrans project is set to complete sometime in late July.

The $35.9 million project from Caltrans added crosswalks with flashing lights, a new traffic light and road restriping. The project was part of the 2018 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), with an audit that found a need for mid-block crossings and bicycle safety.

The project’s area spans from the Y intersection to Pioneer Trail and will add a crosswalk across Highway 50 at South Tahoe Middle School, a crosswalk between Herbert Avenue and Ski Run Boulevard and a crosswalk between Winnemucca and River Drive. These areas were all identified as places where people either crossed the highway unsafely or had frequent accidents.

The intersection between Johnson Boulevard and US-50 also had a signal added and a restriped roadway. This area was identified as one that had several crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Bike lanes were also repainted as part of the South Lake Tahoe Highway Safety Project, which are now green for higher visibility, especially at night. The city was also set to install lighting from the Y to Pioneer Trail.

While much of the underground infrastructure and installation of the lights was completed in 2025, the construction season ended before Caltrans painted the new crosswalks or began operation of the lights. A Caltrans spokesperson told the Tribune that they aimed for them to be operational by late July, when they will also wrap up the rest of the projects.

The city of South Lake Tahoe is currently requesting input on enhancements on US-50 and State Route 89 (SR89). An open house will be held on May 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the new rec center’s Lakeview Room. This project is funded by a Sustainable Transportation Grant from Caltrans.