Another one-billion dollars worth of transportation improvement projects statewide has been approved by the California Transportation Commission. And it includes around 50-million for two related projects in Nevada County. And Cal Trans Public Information Officer, Raquel Borrayo, says they’re combining both segments into one project, since they’re in the same area, on Highway 20 between Nevada City and the I-80 junction. She says that could reduce construction time and delays from about five years, to two years. The so-called Omega Curves Safety Project is scheduled to begin in the spring of next year. In addition to a straighter stretch, between Missouri Bar and Washington Roads, there will be left-turn pockets, as well as turnouts…

click to listen to Raquel Borrayo

And, as you might expect, Borrayo says it will also mean major traffic disruptions at times…

click to listen to Raquel Borrayo

Clear recovery zones and animal crossings are also included at various locations between the White Cloud Campground and Lowell Hill. Borrayo says from 2015 through 2017, 39 accidents occurred, including 19 with injuries, which is higher than the state norm. Funding comes from the gax tax measure, also known as Senate Bill One, which was approved by the state in 2017.