SEPT 2026 | Roadwork + Infrastructure Projects Underway In and Around Tahoe Donner

What’s happening, why it matters and where to find the latest information

If it feels like there is construction happening everywhere you turn in Tahoe Donner and throughout Truckee right now, you’re not imagining it.

With a relatively short construction season in the mountains, public agencies and utility providers have a limited window each year to complete important road, drainage, utility, forest health and other infrastructure projects before winter arrives. Several of those projects are currently underway in and around Tahoe Donner, which means residents and visitors may encounter traffic controls, construction equipment, temporary delays and other impacts.

While Tahoe Donner Association is not managing most of these projects, we want to help our members understand what’s happening and, most importantly, where to go for the latest information directly from the agencies responsible for the work.

Because construction schedules and impacts can change, this is intended as a high-level overview and will not be updated with ongoing project schedules or traffic impacts. Please use the links below for the most current information.

NORTHWOODS BOULEVARD DRAINAGE + PAVING

The Town of Truckee is completing drainage improvements along Northwoods Boulevard and repaving the Northwoods loop. Work includes replacing aging drainage culverts with more durable infrastructure, along with other drainage and utility improvements that need to be completed before paving.

These projects may result in traffic controls and delays at different locations as work progresses through the end of September.

For current paving and drainage project information, schedules and updates, visit the Town of Truckee’s Paving and Drainage Projects webpage:
townoftruckee.gov/182/Paving-and-Drainage-Projects

ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Multiple utility projects are also underway in the Tahoe Donner area.

Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) is completing electric infrastructure improvements along portions of Northwoods Boulevard. Work includes replacing traditional wood poles and power lines with more resilient infrastructure, including metal poles, composite crossarms and insulated power lines. These improvements are designed to strengthen the electric system, improve reliability and reduce wildfire risk.

Learn more about TDPUD infrastructure investments and projects on the Your Money at Work page at tdpud.org

NV Energy is also replacing transmission line poles that cross the southern portion of Tahoe Donner with metal poles. The work involves both ground crews and helicopter operations and may result in temporary traffic controls as crews progress through the area.

For current information about NV Energy projects and potential impacts, visit nvenergy.com

CENTRAL TRUCKEE WUI PHASE 2 FOREST MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Not all of the activity you may see near Tahoe Donner is road construction.

The Truckee Fire Protection District is moving forward with the Central Truckee Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Phase 2 Forest Management Project, a large-scale forest health and hazardous fuels reduction effort.

The approximately 269-acre project encompasses forested areas above Meadow Park and near Gateway, extending toward Coyote Moon Golf Course, Trout Creek and Northwoods Boulevard. Work may be visible from Donner Pass Road, Tahoe Donner and nearby neighborhoods.

The project is intended to create healthier, more resilient forest conditions while reducing wildfire risk and helping protect nearby neighborhoods, evacuation routes and other community infrastructure.

For current project information and updates, visit truckeefire.org/projects

PLANNING FOR EVACUATION SAFETY

Separate from the construction occurring today, Tahoe Donner is also partnering with the Town of Truckee on a townwide Evacuation Study that includes additional analysis specifically focused on Tahoe Donner.

The study is examining evacuation routes, roadway capacity, traffic congestion, potential bottlenecks and emergency communication needs to help identify opportunities to improve evacuation safety during a large-scale emergency.

This planning effort is partially funded through the Truckee Special Service Area-1 (TSSA-1) parcel charge.

Learn more about the study and Tahoe Donner-specific work at tahoedonner.com/evac-study

PLANNING FOR A FUTURE CLASS 1 TRAIL

Tahoe Donner and the Town of Truckee are also working together on planning and design for a future Class 1 paved trail, funded through TSSA-1.

The project is evaluating potential routes beginning near the existing Trout Creek Trail at the entrance to Tahoe Donner, with the long-term vision of creating a connection to Alder Creek Adventure Center and potential spur connections within the community. The effort is intended to explore opportunities for safer non-vehicular travel through Tahoe Donner.

Additional information will be shared as planning progresses.

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT, CHECK FOR CURRENT INFORMATION

We recognize that having several projects underway simultaneously can create inconvenience, particularly when construction affects major routes into, out of and through Tahoe Donner. These projects are being led by several different public agencies and utilities, and schedules and traffic impacts can change as work progresses.

For the most current roadwork information, we encourage residents to bookmark the Town of Truckee’s Paving and Drainage Projects webpage at townoftruckee.gov/182/Paving-and-Drainage-Projects

For utility, forestry and other projects, please refer directly to the responsible agency’s website linked above for current information.

Thank you for your patience and extra caution around active work zones as these agencies complete important infrastructure, utility, forest health and safety projects throughout our community.