Motorists who normally travel through Newtown Road might need to quickly adjust their routes as a significant roadwork project is set to begin in the heart of El Dorado County. Starting April 15, 2024, Newtown Road will be completely closed to traffic through June 14, to allow for the replacement of the current bridge and a series of improvements. The closure, which will span from Paso Way to South Fork of Weber Creek, is necessary for the safety of both the workers and the traveling public, as per El Dorado County.
During the full closure, drivers will have to detour to Fort Jim Road, a change that is likely to significantly disrupt daily commutes and transportation patterns. The detour and traffic advisories have been meticulously planned to mitigate inconvenience as much as possible. Changeable message signs are set to be installed on Tuesday, in a strategic move to inform and to guide motorists well in advance of the closure.
The Newtown Road Bridge Replacement Project includes the bridge, roadway improvements, safety railings, a new retaining wall, storm drainage updates, earthwork, and paving. While it may cause short-term disruptions, the project aims to improve road safety and traffic flow in the long run.
For those seeking additional information or needing to raise concerns, the county has provided a contact phone number, (530) 621-5998, for the duration of the construction period. For further details on the road closure, residents can view the Detour Map, DE-1, available on the El Dorado County website.
