NV Energy this week began replacing utility poles and clearing large logs and brush that pose a fire hazard to company infrastructure in the Tahoe Basin. Due to the steep, mountainous terrain in the area, NV Energy will use helicopters to carry out this work.

Customers and visitors to the area can expect to see the helicopter working overhead, and will see trucks and other heavy equipment in the area starting October 15 and continuing for approximately five weeks.

NV Energy officials say there may be brief disruptions to traffic and trails between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. while work is underway. No power outages are expected during this work.

The work is part of NV Energy’s natural disaster protection plan, also known as Power Safe NV. During this period, NV Energy will rebuild a four-mile stretch of power line between Hidden Beach Plaza and Thunderbird Lodge. In addition, the company will remove hazardous logs and brush from six sections along Lake Tahoe.

Roads and trails in the area will be affected during this period to allow safe movement of the helicopter and other equipment. NV Energy officials say the affected areas will include:

Roads:

US Highway 50:

• Intermittent closures near Spooner Summit and Glenbrook
• Periodic closures near Spooner Cut-Off Road

National Route 28:

• Intermittent and complete lane closures along State Row 28 in Crystal Bay and between Sand Harbor and Thunderbird Lodge
• Lane closure of State Route 28 near Sweetwater Road

Routes:

• East Coast cycle path
• Bear Mountain Trail
• Chimney Beach Trails
• Daggett Loop trail
• Tahoe Rim Trail east of US 50

Officials say additional customer impacts, including temporary relocations for customers whose homes are in the helicopter’s flight path, will be communicated directly to customers by NV Energy.

The work is being carried out by NV Energy in collaboration with contractors from Asplundh, VM West and Wasach Electric.

You can learn more by visiting here.