I-80 closed in both directions due to new fire UPDATE – I-80 now open

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Highway reopened in both directions.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m. The eastbound lane of I-80 is now open.

Plumas County residents who use Highway 80 to head to the Bay Area will have to find an alternate route. Thankfully, Highway 70 through the Feather River Canyon has reopened this week to through traffic, though there is one-way controlled traffic in some areas.

Caltrans first closed Highway 80 westbound earlier this afternoon, but now it’s closed in both directions due to the #DutchFire in Placer County. I-80 eastbound is closed at Colfax and I-80 westbound is closed at the Highway 20 separation. There is no estimated time to reopen.

Alternate routes are state routes 20, 49 and 174. However, Caltrans said that traffic congestion is significant and “it’s best to avoid travel to this region if possible.”