California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 28

This route continues into Nevada as Nevada 28.

Fanny Bridge Project (Jct Route 89/Route 28) (~ PLA T8.542)

Fanny Bridge Improvements It was also reported in September 2011 about plans to reconstruct the Fanny Bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1920 and spans the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe's sole outlet, near the at-times very congested pedestrian intersection at the Wye intersection in Tahoe City. The project would rehabilitate Fanny Bridge, while simultaneously addressing traffic congestion. Preliminary plans feature four alternatives. Initially, the preferred option calls for construction of a four-lane bridge to span the Truckee River farther west from the current Fanny Bridge location. The bridge would be part of a new road that would serve as the main ingress/egress route connecting Route 89 and Route 28. Roundabouts also would be installed at each intersection. Meanwhile, Fanny Bridge's structural deficiencies will be addressed, and the remaining stretch of Route 89 from the Wye to the intersection of the newly built road will be transformed into a local neighborhood street, with a variety of traffic calming features designed to dissuade motorists from using the path as a primary means of travel. The other three alternatives include changing the existing Route 89 just south of Fanny Bridge into a pedestrian/bike trail; installing a cul-de-sac at the end of that street; or conducting the project without roundabouts, respectively. Planning level cost estimates call for a $13-18 million investment. The project is slated to continue to solicit community input and feedback throughout 2011 and develop a final design by 2012. Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2014.

In August 2016, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project that realigns a segment of Route 89 with a replacement bridge and various other improvements including a roadway section replacement, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, roundabouts, and a complete streets element to address traffic, bicycle and pedestrian congestion (03-PLA-089 R8.2/R8.5). On April 10, 2015, the TDD adopted the FEIR for State Route 89 / Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project under CEQA. On July 15, 2016, the TTD confirmed that the FEIR remains valid and that there are no new identified impacts requiring mitigation since adoption. The TTD also confirmed that the preferred alternative set forth in the final environmental document is consistent with the Project scope of the work programmed by the Commission. The Project is estimated to cost $38,877,000 and is fully funded through construction with Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) Funds ($30,620,000), Active Transportation Program Funds ($4,900,000) and Local Funds ($3,357,000). Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2016/17.

Route Adoption At the same meeting, the CTC also approved Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD) plans, in conjunction with Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), to construct a new alignment for portion of Route 89 near Tahoe City through United States Forest Service (USFS) property. This new alignment will better serve the west shore communities of Lake Tahoe by providing an option for the traveling public as they approach Tahoe City from the south and from the west. The purpose of the route adoption is to improve safety and operations of the existing Route 89/Route 28 intersection, improve multimodal access with the creation of “complete streets” elements, address long term bridge integrity by replacing the aged Fanny Bridge, and contribute to economic revitalization by enhancing motorized and non-motorized business access and safety, including delivery of goods and services. This project brings about the highest and best beneficial uses of USFS land and its associated modes of travel. The adopted route will serve as a parallel route for the traveling public entering or exiting the hub of Tahoe City. Route 89 serves the west shore communities of Lake Tahoe, crosses the Truckee River at Fanny Bridge and connects to Route 28 in Tahoe City, also known as the WYE intersection, before continuing to the town of Truckee, California. Approaching the WYE intersection from all three directions, this two-lane conventional highway has historic congestion during the summer peak season with an unacceptable Level of Service (LOS) “F”. The urban context of the WYE intersection in Tahoe City adds to the congestion. During emergency response to fire, police, or ambulatory calls, there is delay for emergency crews to clear the WYE intersection. The physical and environmental setting severely constrains any lane addition, or bridge widening options to mitigate for the LOS “F”. The current single route over the Truckee River has proven to be inadequate given the aforementioned constraints. Bicycle and pedestrian activity are very close to travel lanes on and around Fanny Bridge. Safety risks to pedestrian, bicycle, and motorists result from inadequate multi-modal infrastructure related to discontinuous bicycle paths, and the absence of pedestrian facilities, compounded with heavy volumes of vehicular traffic, pedestrian activity, and trail use. Current traffic congestion and inadequate travel conditions in and around Fanny Bridge and the WYE intersection are the primary reasons for the proposed realignment of Route 89. In addition, this project also replaces the 1928 Fanny Bridge. The two new intersections created by the new alignment, plus the existing WYE intersection, will become roundabouts. These three roundabouts will provide a decrease in traffic congestion and will accommodate multiple modes of transportation in a safe manner. After construction of the new Route 89 alignment, and with the Commission’s approval, a small portion of this route will be redesignated as Route 28 extension and a segment of the existing Route 89 from north of Fanny Bridge to the new intersection south of the bridge will be relinquished to the County. The County has signed a relinquishment agreement and is receiving a transfer of possession and control of the new Fanny Bridge as part of their inventory, post construction. State highway adoption of Route 89 occurred on April 18, 1929. Freeway adoption of a portion of Route 89 occurred on March 27, 1963. Rescinding of Freeway Declaration for said portion of Route 89 occurred on June 20, 1974. Route 89 is part of the Freeway and Expressway System. CFLHD is contributing $30.62 million and TTD with the County are contributing a combined total match of $8.257 million.

In July 2018, it was reported that construction on the new Truckee bridge had started, with expected completion in October 2018. The project, originally conceptualized in the 1994 Tahoe City Community Plan, is a new Truckee River bridge — a rebuild of Fanny Bridge. The construction of three new roundabouts, the realignment of Route 89 to match new road plans, and other street improvements along West Lake Boulevard are all part of the bridge project. The new Truckee River Bridge, located east of the Caltrans maintenance yard along Route 89 and downstream of Fanny Bridge, will become the new junction between Route 89 and Nevada Rte 28. The 88-year-old Fanny Bridge will be rebuilt to include new sidewalks and bike lanes on each side, with bridge railing that matches the existing design. A new roundabout will be constructed on the north side of the Truckee River with outlets onto the new bridge and West River Street. Another roundabout will connect a new route from the new bridge to West Lake Boulevard. The third roundabout will replace Tahoe City's busiest intersection where the original junction between Route 89 and Route 28 currently stands. West Lake Boulevard also will receive improvements including new sidewalks, crosswalks, street lights, and street and trail signs. Two new Tahoe City gateway signs will be installed at the two roundabouts leading into the city. The Tahoe City Trout Sculpture has already been dismantled and moved to storage to allow for construction. City officials are still making efforts to secure a new location for the sculpture when the project is complete.
(Source: Sierra Sun, 6/28/2018)

In October 2019, it was reported that the project to replace the Truckee River “Fanny” Bridge, enhance pedestrian mobility, improve access to public transit and relinquish a section of Route 89 to Placer County is planned for 2021. Short-term work at the “Wye” intersection to reestablish pedestrian access and erosion control is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2019.
(Source: Caltrans District 3 Press Release, 10/28/2019)

In December 2019, it was reported that Caltrans joined several partner agencies for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new Route 89 Truckee River Bridge in Tahoe City. The project includes roundabouts at each end of the bridge and new bike path segments.
(Source: Facebook, 12/16/2019)

In August 2025, it was reported that demolition of the historic Fanny Bridge, on former Route 89, in Tahoe City was underway, and the new Fanny Bridge was scheduled to be completed by 11/15. Traffic will detour onto Lake Blvd. to access Route 89 and Route 28. West Lake Blvd. was open for business and transit center access
(Source: Caltrans District 3 on X, 8/28/2025)

In February 2026, it was reported that the new and improved Fanny Bridge celebrated its official opening. The original schedule was supposed to be only three months of closure for the tear-down and reconstruction of a bridge, which is pretty aggressive, especially with the kind of weather conditions you can run into up here. The contractor said the biggest issue causing the last minute delay prior to opening was due to TRPA and Lahontan Water Quality Control Board regulations when it comes to sediment.
(Source: Sierra Sun 2/11/2026)

Route 28/Route 267 Roundabout (03-PLA-028 8.9/9.5, 03-PLA-267 9.7/9.898)

In May 2022, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project: 03-PLA-028 8.9/9.5, 03-PLA-267 9.7/9.898. Kings Beach Western Approach Project. Construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 28 and Route 267. (MND) (PPNO 5403) (ATP) Specifically, the Project will construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 28 and Route 267. The project also includes the reconfiguration of an existing midblock crosswalk and a road diet on adjacent portions of Route 28 to improve safety.
(Source: May 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(3))

In June 2023, the CTC authorized the following District Minor Project financial allocation: $1,250,000. 03-Pla-28 8.9/9.5. PPNO —; ProjID 0318000146; EA 0C932. In Placer County, on Route 28 in Kings Beach at the Route 28/Route 267 Intersection. Outcome/Output: Construct roundabout. This is a substitute project for EA 1J400. Financial Contribution Only (FCO) to the County of Placer. Future Consideration of Funding approved under Resolution E-22-32; May 2022.
(Source: June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5a #1)

In December 2020, the CTC authorized relinquishment of 03-Pla-28-PM 9.2/10.3, right of way consisting of nonmotorized transportation facilities, in the county of Placer along Route 28 (North Lake Boulevard) between Route 267 (North Shore Boulevard) and Chipmunk Street. The County agreed to waive the 90-day notice requirement and accept title upon relinquishment by the State under the terms and conditions stated in the relinquishment agreement dated August 31, 2020.
(Source: December 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.3c)

Kings Beach Commerical Core Project (~ PLA 9.366 to PLA 10.215)

028 Kings Corridor In 2007, the CTC did not recommend using the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account to fund the Kings Beach commercial core.

In June 2012, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project (project) in Placer County, which will include roadway improvements to Route 28 to accommodate anticipated future transit and pedestrian needs which will include installing sidewalks; constructing curbs, gutters, storm drains, and water quality facilities at specific locations; streetscaping; designating specific road sites as on-street parking; and construction of new, off-street parking lots at specific locations within the action area in Placer County.