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2oldman's avatar
2oldman
Explorer II
May 13, 2018

I-80, Donner Pass

I drove through Donner Pass today (I-80) from Nevada into Cali. On the West side, westbound, the truck lane is rutted so bad I had trouble steering. It was difficult to keep a grip on the steering wheel. I had to move over a lane, it was that bad. If any road could use infrastructure spending, that would be it.

Coming down the pass I saw what up ahead looked like a disabled trailer, then on the shoulder I saw an older gentleman rolling a tire back to the trailer. I could see the trailer had a missing wheel and it appeared the other tire on the same side had blown. I guess he lost a wheel. Check those lugs!

Not a good day for this poor man. It was an airstream, maybe 30'
  • I think I may have passed up someone else last week with a flat.
  • In Calif the only thing that qualifies as infrastucture is the High Speed Rail.
  • SidecarFlip wrote:
    Road courtesy is dead Old Biscuit in case you haven't noticed. Last year I had a flat on the side of I94 and people didn't even bother to move over enough to allow me to change it without fear of getting killed (Flat on the drivers side).

    People are so courteous today... right.


    Heck, I had to change a tire on my truck the other day in the parking lot (took me about 1/2 hr:M) of a used car lot that had a garage, they were open and I was literally in front of the building so I know they could see me. Not that I needed help but thought it was a little odd that no one even came out to even ask if I needed any. Then again I was in a pissy mood so it probably was good they didn't offer.:B

    Dan
  • Trucks using chains over the pass could be wearing the pavement faster than normal. On Google streetview I'm seeing concrete without an asphalt overlay.

    I believe there have been major projects along this highway, but in the best of times projects are done in 10 mile sections at a time, and with one or two lane closures. Even if there was money, traffic and limited space prevents a complete replacement of pavement. Also bridge maintenance has priority over road surface rehabilitation.

    I80 bridge work in Nevada Cty

    east bound truck lane

    I80 CA65 interchange work
  • Road courtesy is dead Old Biscuit in case you haven't noticed. Last year I had a flat on the side of I94 and people didn't even bother to move over enough to allow me to change it without fear of getting killed (Flat on the drivers side).

    People are so courteous today... right.
  • 2oldman wrote:
    I drove through Donner Pass today (I-80) from Nevada into Cali. On the West side, westbound, the truck lane is rutted so bad I had trouble steering. It was difficult to keep a grip on the steering wheel. I had to move over a lane, it was that bad. If any road could use infrastructure spending, that would be it.

    Coming down the pass I saw what up ahead looked like a disabled trailer, then on the shoulder I saw an older gentleman rolling a tire back to the trailer. I could see the trailer had a missing wheel and it appeared the other tire on the same side had blown. I guess he lost a wheel. Check those lugs!

    Not a good day for this poor man. It was an airstream, maybe 30'



    And you didn't stop :H
  • I thought that road was just redone a few years ago. Although it is beat on pretty hard with chains and plows during the winter. Maybe just eastbound was done?

    Work was done 2009-2013. Five years and the work is shot?

    From an old webpage: (google cache of www.getacross80.com)

    The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is conducting several construction projects on Interstate 80 between Colfax, California and the Nevada State line. Actual project timelines may vary, but weather permitting construction will take place between March and November each year from 2009-2013. Improvements to I-80 include removal and replacement of worn roadway, rehabilitation of ramps, improving drainage, widening of shoulders and replacement of metal guardrails.

    Caltrans will make every effort to limit impacts to the public caused by the construction. However, in order to preserve the safety of motorists and road crews, drivers may experience delays due to construction and/or rerouting of traffic may be necessary.

    This website was designed to offer construction schedules and timelines, detour information and project updates. Please enter your email address to receive periodic email alerts with the latest construction and traffic information.