SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Getting to South Lake Tahoe will get a little tougher for two weeks this spring when Caltrans shuts down Highway 50 at Echo Summit for two weeks.

Caltrans is closing the highway to replace the old rock wall with a new barrier that meets current safety standards.  The  two week closure will take place in late April or early May depending on the weather. The plan is to begin at the soonest possible date after April 15 once there is a ten-day clear weather window.

Caltrans has set up a website www.way2tahoe.com with information on the project including alternate routes. Caltrans says the detour adds about 35 miles to the trip to Tahoe and “is a wonderful opportunity to tour the historic Gold Country of El Dorado and Amador Counties.