Single-Lane Closures Scheduled for October 12-18, 2024.
Drivers traveling on Nevada State Route 28 near Lake Tahoe should be aware of upcoming single-lane closures due to the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Effluent Pipeline Project.
Continuous 24-hour traffic controls will be in effect through noon on October 18, 2024 at the Secret Creek Crossing, located approximately 3.5 miles south of Sand Harbor and 3 miles north of Spooner Summit.
Typically, single-lane traffic controls conclude for the weekend on Fridays at noon, with construction resuming on Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. However, during this extended period, lane restrictions will be continuous until Friday, October 18, at noon. This includes the weekend of 10/12- 10/13.
Travel and Safety Considerations:
- Plan ahead: Expect traffic delays while traveling through the affected stretch of SR 28.
- Stay alert: For everyone’s safety, be cautious and follow traffic control instructions in the construction zone.
About the IVGID Effluent Pipeline Project:
The Incline Village General Improvement District operates an essential wastewater system for Incline Village, Crystal Bay, and Nevada State Parks in Lake Tahoe. The system processes 800,000 to 1.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, helping protect Lake Tahoe’s water quality by exporting wastewater out of the Tahoe Basin.
Why the Project is Needed:
The effluent export pipeline, which is over 50 years old, has experienced corrosion and multiple failures, signaling the need for urgent replacement. The pipeline spans 20.5 miles, and replacing it is critical to protecting the environment and maintaining service to local communities.
Phase 1 Overview:
Phase 1 of the project involved replacing 4 miles of Segment 1 pipe and 2 miles of Segment 3 pipe. This phase was completed within the Nevada Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) right-of-way and State Park lands.
Phase 2 Work:
Phase 2 of the project includes replacing:
- 13,700 feet of Segment 3 pipeline
- 17,300 feet of Segment 2 pipeline
The work is being conducted using an open-cut construction method that requires relocating the pipeline into the center of the southbound travel lane or northbound travel lane as needed. Due to Lake Tahoe’s environmentally sensitive status, construction is limited to the short TRPA-mandated grading season (May 1 – October 15).
- Phase 2A was completed in 2023, with approximately 5,400 feet of pipeline replaced.
- Phase 2B began in April 2024 and continues with 24-hour construction until noon on Fridays.
- Future Phases: Phases 2C and 2D are planned for 2025 and 2026, respectively.
This multi-year project is a significant investment in infrastructure and is essential for maintaining wastewater management and protecting Lake Tahoe’s natural resources.
The IVGID Effluent Export Pipeline project just received the TRPA “Best in the Basin” award that recognizes projects providing outstanding environmental benefits for Lake Tahoe.