Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Response to Comments

XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC.
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Lake Tahoe Basin is located on the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains. Principle access to the Lake Tahoe Basin is by vehicle via Interstate 80, by U.S.
Highways 50 and 395, and by State Routes 28, 89, and 267. Driving time from Sacramento is
approximately two hours under favorable driving conditions. Winter storm events and
occasional landslides can close highways or contribute to significant driving delays. State
Route 89 on the edge of Emerald Bay State Park (SP) frequently closes during adverse winter
weather due to snow avalanche danger. Major bus lines and railroad stations are located in
Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. There are no direct commercial airline flights into the Lake
Tahoe Basin.
The predominant mode of transportation used in the Lake Tahoe Basin is private vehicle
(TRPA 2006). In the summer, there is considerable private vehicle traffic on the highways
around the lake and at times traffic can become congested on these roads. The Tahoe
Interregional/ Intraregional Transit Study Final Report (TRPA 2006) studied strategies to
expand on surface (bus, rail, or waterborne) public transportation network connecting the North
and South Shores, and connecting the Tahoe Region to nearby urban areas.
Streets and Highways
State Routes 28 and 89 and U.S. Highway 50 encompass the perimeter of Lake Tahoe. These
main travel corridors can experience high traffic volume from private vehicles during portions of
the year.
Road Traffic and Level of Service
Level of Service (LOS) measures how the route operates during peak hour traffic. LOS
summarizes the effects of speed, travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver and
other factors. The performance of the county roads and highways is evaluated based on LOS
definitions. Six levels of service represent varying roadway conditions ranging from ideal (LOS
"A") to forced flow (LOS "F"). The areas of congestion are the intersections of Highway 50 and
Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe and in Tahoe City at the intersection of Highway 89 and
Highway 28.
Level Of
Service (LOS)
A
B
C
Description of Typical Traffic Conditions Delay Service
Rating
Highest quality of service. Free traffic flow, low None Excellent
volumes and densities. Little or no restriction on
maneuverability or speed, and a high level or
comfort and convenience.
Stable traffic flow – speed becoming slightly None Very Good
restricted; the presence of others in the traffic
stream begins to be noticeable. Low resistance
on maneuverability.
Stable traffic flow, but less freedom to select Minimal Good
speed, change lanes or pass. Comfort and
68
Asian Clam Control Project IS/MND
Emerald Bay State Park
California Department of Parks and Recreation