Construction on the much-anticipated El Dorado Trail overcrossing at Missouri Flat Road is pushing forward, though not without some temporary inconvenience to residents and trail enthusiasts. As workers lay the groundwork for a pedestrian-friendly future, sections of the trail and a trailhead parking lot will be out of commission for several months, according to official updates from El Dorado County.
The closure affects the El Dorado Trail segments adjoining Missouri Flat Road and includes the parking lot near Sierra Door & Supply, a staple starting point for many trail goers. These areas will be shut down continuously as part of the construction efforts. While the existing trail parking lot will ultimately be removed, a new, larger parking area is already slated for construction. This project, part of the Diamond Springs Parkway Phase 1B initiative, is set to kick off later this year.
Trail visitors are encouraged to explore alternate segments of the El Dorado Trail while the construction at Missouri Flat Road is underway. Although this may be an annoyance for some, county officials are calling for patience and cooperation during this time. The trail-related interruptions are expected to last until May 30, leaving the local community to await the reopening later in spring.
For those with burning questions or simmering concerns, the County’s Transportation department remains at the ready. They can be reached by dialing (530) 621-5900, with the prompt "Option 3 for Engineering" guiding callers to the right place for answers. "The County sincerely appreciates the cooperation and patience of motorists and trail users, and we apologize for any inconvenience because of this work," reads a statement from the El Dorado County's announcement.
