Highway 50 back open, I-80 in the Sierra still seeing some closures after snow storm

By Cecilio Padilla

The major thoroughfares through Northern California’s high country were seeing extended closures as extreme weather blankets the region.

Highway 50 were back open as of Wednesday morning, but officials cautioned that conditions remain slick and more wet weather was on the way.

I-80 was closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line, but the westbound side of the freeway reopened to regular traffic around 8 a.m. Wednesday. Chain controls are also in effect from near Gold Run to the Nevada state line. The closure had been ongoing since Tuesday.

Eastbound I-80 remains closed at Applegate in Placer County for tractor-trailers, and from Colfax to the Nevada state line for all other traffic. Westbound I-80 also remains closed for tractor-trailers at the Nevada state line. 

Along Highway 50, the closure was in effect from Pointview Drive in Placerville to Meyers. That closure was lifted a little before 8 a.m. Wednesday. 

Chain controls remain in effect on Highway 50 from Pointview Drive in Placerville to Meyers.

Near-whiteout conditions were buffeting Sierra mountain passes throughout the day on Tuesday.

It’s unclear how much longer the I-80 closure will be in place. 

Wet weather is expected to continue through Tuesday into Wednesday, with some lower elevation areas down to the foothills also expecting some snow.