Wildfire Fuel Reduction Work Beginning on State Route 49

Caltrans Press Release of August 3, 2022

New Vegetation Removal Contract to Reduce Fuel Loads in Nevada and Butte Counties

NEVADA COUNTY - Caltrans is alerting State Route 49 (SR-49) motorists of the start of a new wildfire fuel reduction contract to address overgrown vegetation at various locations in Nevada County between Lime Kiln Road and McKnight Way.

Beginning Wednesday, August 3, construction crews will start staging equipment along SR-49 near Lime Kiln Road to start vegetation removal at various locations along the north and south sides of the highway. Fuel reduction activities are expected to occur along the 6-mile stretch of highway weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Most work will occur in shoulder areas with minimal disruptions to traffic. Short traffic holds may be required intermittently during large tree removal operations.

The $2.8 million wildfire fuel reduction contract will assist vegetation removal efforts along SR-49 in Nevada County and State Route 32 in Butte County. P31 Enterprises of Oroville is the prime contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in summer 2023.